Bosnian forward Ermedin Demirović has vowed to honour an eye-catching promise by covering the cost of drinks for supporters at VfB Stuttgart’s next home fixture, following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic play-off victory over Italy.
The Balkan nation secured only its second appearance at football’s premier tournament by defeating four-time world champions Italy 4–1 in a penalty shootout, marking one of the most celebrated results in its modern sporting history. Bosnia last reached the World Cup in 2014, coincidentally the same year Italy were last present at the finals. More than a decade later, the Bosnians have returned to the global stage in emphatic fashion, reigniting national pride and footballing ambition.
In the wake of the triumph, Demirović, who plays his club football for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, moved swiftly to confirm that he would fulfil a promise made prior to the play-off campaign. The 28-year-old striker had pledged that, should Bosnia qualify for the World Cup, he would personally fund drinks for fans attending Stuttgart’s next home match.
That promise will now be delivered during Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund at the MHP Arena, where supporters are expected to receive free beverages as part of a unique celebration linked to Bosnia’s qualification success. What is ordinarily a high-profile league fixture will now carry an additional festive dimension for home fans.
However, the gesture carries a substantial financial burden. With stadium capacity at approximately 60,000 and an average drink price estimated at around €5, the total cost of the pledge could reach €300,000. Converted, this is roughly equivalent to Tk 4.28 crore. Despite the significant sum involved, Demirović has made clear that he intends to honour his word without hesitation.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Bosnian international underlined his commitment. “I am a man of my word,” he said. “I will definitely keep my promise, even though it will be quite expensive. But after such an achievement for my country, it comes from the heart. Stuttgart, drinks are on me.”
He also reflected on Bosnia’s achievement with visible pride, describing qualification as both emotional and hard to fully comprehend. “We played incredibly well and fully deserved to reach the World Cup,” he added. “It is still difficult to process what we have achieved for our country.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina have been drawn into Group B for the upcoming World Cup, alongside hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Their campaign will begin on 12 June in Canada, where they will face the tournament hosts in their opening match.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – World Cup Group Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup |
| Group | Group B |
| Opponents | Canada, Qatar, Switzerland |
| Opening Match | Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Date | 12 June |
| Qualification Highlight | 4–1 penalty shootout win vs Italy |
| Historical Context | Second World Cup appearance (first in 2014) |
Demirović’s pledge has added an unusual but widely celebrated dimension to Bosnia’s qualification story, symbolising both the emotional connection between players and supporters and the exuberant spirit surrounding their return to the world stage. As anticipation builds for both the World Cup and Stuttgart’s upcoming fixture, his gesture has already become one of the most talked-about moments in European football this week.