The inclusion of futsal as an official discipline in the Mediterranean Games, starting with the edition to be held in Prishtina in 2030, is being regarded as one of the most important developments for this sport in Kosovo.
Key figures in local futsal see this decision as a major step toward international recognition, institutional acknowledgment, and increased support for a sport that, according to them, has achieved results and has a tradition but has not always received the attention it deserves.
The director of one of Kosovo’s top futsal clubs, FC Mabetex Prishtina, Fatos Dili, emphasizes that the inclusion of futsal in the Mediterranean Games represents a turning point for the sport in Kosovo.
“At this moment, I am thinking about futsal, and very good news has arrived: for the Mediterranean Games, including those to be held here in Kosovo, in Prishtina, futsal will be included as a discipline for the first time in these Games. I believe this will be an excellent promotion of Kosovo futsal, considering that we have been largely overlooked by the media for a long time, even though we have not lacked experience and successes. However, I think this will be a major step in promoting Kosovo futsal and proof of what we have been saying for years—not just me, but also my colleagues who established and maintained futsal over the years—that this sport is a national sport in Kosovo and deserves better treatment and greater institutional support,” Dili stressed.
Meanwhile, FFK’s futsal coordinator, Getar Hyseni, expresses confidence that Kosovo will be represented with dignity at the 2030 Mediterranean Games. He underlines the need for more concrete cooperation between the organizational structures of the Games and the Federation, noting that some practical steps are still missing.
“Futsal for 2030 at the Mediterranean Games, I believe, will be represented honorably. However, more concrete collaboration is expected from the Mediterranean Games working group and the federation, as we do not yet have anything specific in this regard. Last year, we competed at the ‘Main Round’ level, which was a historic achievement for Kosovo’s national team, where 11 young players made their debut over six matches. These players will certainly be at the optimal age to compete in the Mediterranean Games. So we are ready for the Mediterranean Games, and we are also working on establishing a women’s league, which will serve as the women’s national team in the Games,” Hyseni stated in a written response to KosovaPress.
Futsal referee Tina Kallaba views the inclusion in the Mediterranean Games as a rare opportunity to showcase Kosovo futsal on the international stage. According to her, this event provides a true reflection of the level and quality offered by local futsal.
“I think it opens very significant doors for futsal because it is a very, very important event, and I believe it will serve as a good reflection of Kosovo futsal… It is a very important occasion to show the world that we are here among all European and global countries, to demonstrate high quality and standards,” Kallaba declared.
Former futsal player Skender Sadiku calls the news a “mega announcement” for all those involved in developing futsal in Kosovo. He recalls that futsal has a history closely tied to Kosovo’s state-building, officially starting in 2008.
“This is very, very good news. After one announcement, let’s say a mega announcement, that we are organizers of the Mediterranean Games, this is also great news, especially for those involved in futsal. Futsal has been officially played for a long time in Kosovo, but officially it started in 2008, the year of Kosovo’s independence. Futsal in Kosovo has grown alongside the Republic of Kosovo, and also since its official establishment… Independence was declared in February, while the official futsal championship started in November. I was fortunate to be part of the team that established futsal. Futsal has now taken its course; we have referees with international badges, teams participating in FIFA- and UEFA-organized championships, qualifying for world championships, European championships, and the Champions League with Kosovo’s champions. I think participation in the Mediterranean Games completes this journey,” Sadiku stated.
The Mediterranean Games are a multi-sport international event held every four years, bringing together athletes from countries around the Mediterranean Sea. For the first time in its history, the 21st edition of the Mediterranean Games will take place in Prishtina, Kosovo, from July 24 to August 4, 2030, with approximately 3,500 athletes from 26 countries competing in over 30 different sports.
