Croatia FA president Vlatko Markovic has
blasted the reports linking Slaven Bilic with the vacant managerial
position at West Ham United.
Bilic has been strongly linked with the Upton Park role
following former boss Alan Curbishley's resignation on
Wednesday.
Croatia twice beat England on the road to Euro 2008 and are
preparing to host Fabio Capello's men next week in the second of
the countries' 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Markovic has been left disappointed at the timing of the rumours
ahead of the vital game in Zagreb, but is adamant the speculation
will have no effect on Bilic's men.
He said in the Sunday Express: "This is
another dirty trick by the English. They obviously want to cause
trouble for us before we play.
"It's typical of the sleaze in English football. For the story
about West Ham wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor.
"We are very suspicious and unhappy as it is not the first time
something like this has happened with England.
"There is no chance events at West Ham will damage us either
this time."