Former Premier League striker Bosko Balaban, notable for his stint at Aston Villa in the early 2000s, has found himself entangled in legal troubles, leading to a one-year prison sentence with an additional four years suspended.
The charges stem from his failure to meet a £70,000 financial support obligation to his ex-wife, Iva Radic.
The 45-year-old Croatian, renowned for his impactful years at Club Brugge and three separate stints with Dinamo Zagreb, had received a conditional sentence and probation in 2021. However, he failed to comply with the agreed terms, resulting in his imprisonment in January.
The court’s firm stance, emphasizing “no escape from prison” even with payment, underscores Balaban’s legal predicament linked to overdue maintenance money owed to his former partner, who held the title of Miss Croatia in 1995.
The couple, having parted ways in 2017 after over a decade of marriage, shares three children.
Balaban’s football journey includes a less-than-triumphant spell at Villa Park, where he struggled to meet expectations before ultimately finding success in Belgium.
Post-retirement, he transitioned into football agency, representing players such as the former Leicester star Andrej Kramaric.
The sentencing adds a legal chapter to the striker’s post-football life, raising questions about the challenges and responsibilities that extend beyond the pitch.
It highlights the complexities of managing financial obligations and personal relationships in the aftermath of a professional football career, shedding light on the often-unseen struggles faced by former athletes in their pursuit of life beyond the sport.