According to Index.hr, Petar Bočkaj's transfer to Sarajevo fell through due to legal issues. Bočkaj was reportedly on the verge of joining Sarajevo, a team managed by Croatian coach Zoran Zekić. However, the transfer was halted because of a 2019 incident involving Bočkaj, who crashed into a gas station while under the influence, leading to a conditional prison sentence and ongoing legal matters. These issues prevented him from obtaining the necessary temporary residence permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is crucial for registration with the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite having reached an agreement on terms and scheduling a medical examination, the transfer was unsuccessful as Bočkaj was unable to obtain a work permit.

Sarajevo showed strong interest in acquiring Petar Bočkaj, driven by their coach Zoran Zekić who previously worked with Bočkaj at Osijek and expressed a desire to have him on the team again. Bočkaj was open to the possibility of continuing his career in Sarajevo, where he could have been an important part of their setup. However, Varaždin acted more swiftly and decisively, leading Bočkaj to sign a two-year contract with them and continue his career in the Croatian league, ultimately choosing to join Varaždin over Sarajevo.