During the multimillion-euro corruption trial of former Dinamo Zagreb manager Zdravko Mamic in 2017, both players testified as witnesses and provided information on their transfers from the current Croatian champion.
As part of his testimony at the time, Modric explained the details of his transfer from Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. Later, in 2012, he joined Real Madrid.
Lovren gave information on his 2010 move from French team Lyon to Dinamo, where he is presently playing.
Both players were charged with perjury in 2018, but the allegations were ultimately withdrawn owing to a lack of evidence: Modric that year and Lovren in early 2019.
❗️Luka Modrić has been accused of given false testimony on June 13, 2017 in a trial before the Municipal Court of Osijek despite the fact that the judge warned him that he had the duty to tell the truth and that false testimony is criminalized as a crime.
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) June 29, 2023
— @relevo pic.twitter.com/rUtkoauVt5
Prosecutors in the eastern town of Osijek accused two people of "giving false testimony" on Thursday, citing solely their birth years. They were recognized as Modric and Lovren by the local media.
According to prosecutors, Modric is accused of presenting false testimony "on June 13, 2017, before the Osijek county court," referring to the day when the star midfielder testified during the Mamic trial.
Lovren was charged on September 1, 2017.
In Croatia, perjury is punished by up to five years in jail.
Mamic and the other three were found guilty of counts related to abuse of power and corruption, which resulted in costs to Dinamo of more than $16.3 million and to the state of 1.5 million euros.
According to the indictment, money was stolen through bogus arrangements involving player transfers.
Mamic, the Balkan country's football kingpin who is presently hiding in nearby Bosnia, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
Modric was accused only days after Real Madrid announced that the 37-year-old would continue with the club for another season after his contract was extended until June 2024.
Croatia advanced to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia thanks to the veteran player.