Russian businessmen give Croatia’s national soccer team 9 million euros

According to German newspaper Hamburger Morgenpost Russian billionaires Roman Abramovich and Leonid Fedun have found the way to thank the Croatian national soccer team which helped Russia qualify for Euro 2008. They are going to give Croatians 9 million euros as a present.

The German newspaper says that the Russian businessmen found an alternative way to praise Croatians after they have refused to take Mercedeses offered to four best Croatian players.

According to Hamburger Morgenpost the Croatian national team have received 9 million Euro from Leonid Fedun and Roman Abramovich. The money was divided equally between 33 team members. Each member has received more than 250, 000 euros.

As it was previously reported, a Russian billionaire offered to buy luxury cars for the Croatia players if they beat England at Wembley.

Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun promised to give Croatia's four best players a Mercedes each if their team win.

"I'm doing this strictly as a fan," said Fedun. "If we have even a small chance then we must try to use it."

Fedun has said that should Croatia triumph, one of the cars would go to goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, who plays for Spartak.