This was published 12 years ago
Croatia players in nude swim scandal
Croatia's World Cup squad has launched a World Cup media boycott in protest at the publication of photos of players swimming naked at their team hotel.
Attribution: Not Supplied
The blackout was enforced after two photographers hid in bushes near the team hotel and took pictures of players that appeared online.
Attribution: Not Supplied
The pictures notably featured international defenders Vedran Corluka and Dejan Lovren.
Attribution: Not Supplied
The images are circulating on social media and show the pair chatting to teammates as they dive into the water.
Attribution: Not Supplied
It appears that it was broad daylight when the team arrived at the pool to cool off.
Attribution: Not Supplied
The photos are an unwanted distraction for the team as it attempts to get its World Cup campaign back on track.
Attribution: Not Supplied
Their coach has refused to buy into his players' media boycott, saying he respects their stance.
Attribution: Not Supplied
"This is not only in Croatia, it is spreading throughout the world," said coach Nico Kovac after the photos appeared on several Croatian online news sites.
Attribution: Not Supplied
"It's easy for me to talk but I'm not part of this story. I respect their opinion. What can I do? I cannot pull them by the ears and say 'let's go talk to media'." he added.
Attribution: Not Supplied
Croatia lost their opening World Cup match 3-1 against hosts Brazil in Sao Paulo.
Attribution: Not Supplied
