Club

Mario Vuskovic signs new HSV contract from 2026

The Rothosen are continuing to stand by their defender while he serves his suspension for doping. The Croatian’s current contract will be replaced by a strongly performance-related agreement starting at the end of the ban.

“Mario Vuskovic was, is and always will be part of the HSV family.” This clear statement from HSV board members Dr Eric Huwer and Stefan Kuntz made their position clear, given immediately following the judgement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Now, following intensive assessment of the legal framework and discussions with all parties involved, HSV and the Croatian, who has been banned until November 2026 for EPO doping, have come to terms with the judgement and agreed on how to proceed going forward.

“We are offering Mario some perspective and HSV an opportunity,” said board member Stefan Kuntz.

Mario Vuskovic’s original contract with HSV until June 2025 has been terminated by mutual agreement. “For me it is clear that the implications for the contract which runs until 2025 are no longer the case with the ban imposed until 2026,” said Vuskovic. “HSV has supported me massively in various ways over the past few years. That’s another reason why there was never any question for me that I could simply sit out my contract if the ban was extended to four years.”

The HSV board agreed with the defender to continue their sporting cooperation once the suspension had been served. Vuskovic has signed a new professional contract which will run from 2026 and will be strongly performance-related. “We are offering Mario some perspective and HSV an opportunity. We all know that a return to professional football after a four-year ban is going to be tricky. However, we are convinced that Mario has the quality and the drive to be able to make a comeback. We are ready to continue to support his journey in the best way possible,” said Stefan Kuntz.

Board member Dr. Eric Huwer: “We will continue to show solidarity with our directors, shareholders, partners, members and fans.”

The HSV board judged this decision to be both sensible and consistent in the interests of both the club and the player, as well as for Mario Vuskovic personally. “The past weeks and months have been extremely emotional and stressful for Mario and his family. It is all the more impressive for us how clear and combative he has been in our talks and the energy and conviction with which he is already working towards returning to the pitch,” said Dr Eric Huwer, adding, “Even if it is difficult, we have to accept the CAS ruling against Mario. We continue to take a stand against doping of any kind. However, after an in-depth examination of the CAS judgement, we still have good reason to doubt whether the doping accusation against Mario is justified. Therefore, we will continue to show solidarity with our directors, shareholders, partners, members and fans. This is what makes us a strong HSV family.”

As part of the new agreement, after a thorough legal review, the HSV Fußball AG board decided not to make any compensation claims or claims for damages against the suspended player. The HSV board received clear approval of this decision from both the board of directors and the shareholders.

“HSV is so much more to me than just an employer or a club,” said Mario Vuskovic.

The current situation is that Mario Vuskovic will be allowed to return to team training from mid-September 2026. In the coming weeks, he will decide on any surplus to his individual training, but due to the ban he cannot play for HSV or in amateur football in any capacity until its conclusion. Vuskovic has the clear intention of remaining as closely connected to HSV and professional football as possible until 2026 and will prepare for his return in a targeted manner. “I will definitely keep my Hamburg residence because I want to be in the city regularly and, of course, watch my team’s matches at the stadium,” he said.

Vuskovic remains focused on his targets: “I will do everything I can to return better than ever. HSV is so much more to me than just an employer or a club, as was obvious from the recent surprise visit from my teammates and staff in Split.” The support from his colleagues, numerous fans, the Croatian football association and even from people with no ties to the player whatsoever has provided him with strength. “HSV trusts me and I trust the club. I am very grateful and have full focus now on our common goal – 2026.”