The head of the Croatian Football Federation (CFF) was arrested for shoplifting at London's Gatwick Airport on the eve of his country's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier with England. Zorislav Srebric, 67, was detained by police for questioning but was later released without charge.

The official was held on Tuesday after allegedly being caught stealing stationery from WHSmith at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal. He was taken away by police yelling and screaming as stunned Croatia players looked on.

A statement from the CFF said a misunderstanding arose as Mr Srebic was buying newspapers but then noticed his team enter the airport building.

He hurried to organise them through airport control but police thought he was trying to avoid paying for the papers.

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Vlatka Jandel, a spokeswoman for the CFF in Zagreb, said: "I cannot imagine him stealing anything. Mr Srebric is quoted in Croatian media today as saying there was a misunderstanding and that this accusation is not true."

Croatia are preparing to play England at Wembley on Wednesday evening. Steve McClaren's side need at least a draw to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.