Sports in the municipality of Prishtina are facing a deep financial crisis due to a blockade that has prevented the distribution of grants to sports clubs. More than 100 clubs have been affected by this deadlock, which is said to be the result of the municipal budget being blocked by the Government of Kosovo.

The Directorate of Sports in Prishtina, club officials, and representatives of the sports community have reacted strongly to the situation, calling it a direct blow to the development of sports and the preparation of teams for national and international competitions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

In a written response to KosovaPress, the Sports Directorate in the Municipality of Prishtina stated that this situation is the result of a purely political blockade, which is directly affecting the functioning of key sectors in the capital, including sports.

“The situation we are facing is the result of a clear political blockade, which is directly affecting the functioning of key sectors in the capital, including sports. This is an unlawful interference that aims only to block development and institutional support for our community. The Sports Directorate has completed all procedures on time and with precision to open the public call for subsidizing athletes and sports clubs. We were ready to offer the support guaranteed by law and deserved by our athletes. Unfortunately, due to the municipal budget being blocked by the central government, we are unable to proceed with financial support this year. This is a real setback for sports, for team preparations, participation in competitions, and the continuation of club operations,” the Sports Directorate said in its response to KosovaPress.

Sports analyst Ardian Llumnica emphasized that around 600,000 euros are usually distributed in the form of grants and that over 100 clubs in the capital are impacted by this blockade.

“Sports clubs in Prishtina have reacted with great concern to the cancellation of sports grants. This is unacceptable and is happening due to political disagreements between the central and local governments, and at the worst possible moment, as the Municipality of Prishtina and the Ministry of Sports should be cooperating closely, especially in light of the upcoming Mediterranean Games, and without coordination, of course, these efforts are also compromised. The blocking of grants affects many clubs in Prishtina. More than 100 clubs depend on these grants, which in turn affects the integrity of many sporting competitions… The total value is over 600,000 euros, when divided proportionally, this is a significant amount of support for the clubs,” Llumnica said.

Signals of discontent from clubs have already started to surface. The Handball Club "Prishtina" has warned that it may withdraw from competitions if the situation is not resolved soon. This was confirmed to KosovaPress by the club's representative, Oltion Beshiri.

“These financial resources have been the main reason we've been able to participate in competitions, and our reaction was discussed within the club. We published it as a statement, but in reality, this reaction represents the entire sports community. I've had private conversations with other clubs, and the situation is the same. For us and many other clubs, it is impossible to continue competing if the Municipality of Prishtina, the Sports Directorate, or the Government does not release the promised funds. All our club’s plans and activities were based on that budget,” Beshiri explained.

Llumnica further expressed his surprise at the Ministry of Sports’ silence regarding the situation.

“What bothers me most is the silence from the Ministry of Sports — their indifference to this issue. Under normal circumstances, the Minister's cabinet should have immediately visited the Municipality of Prishtina to address the concerns of these clubs, especially considering the current Minister of Sports is a candidate for mayor. It’s absurd, because tomorrow he’ll be knocking on the doors of these clubs asking for their votes,” Llumnica said.

Regarding the situation created, KosovaPress has also requested a response from the Ministry of Sports, but they have not responded by the time of publication of this article.

It’s worth noting that all directorates in the Municipality of Prishtina are facing budget issues, as they have not received funds from the central government.

The Government has explained that the Municipality of Prishtina failed to approve the budget in time through its municipal assembly and thus was not included in the Kosovo Budget Law.

According to the acting minister, Hekuran Murati, only after the Assembly is constituted and the new Government is elected, can the amendment of the Budget Law be initiated to include the draft budget of the Municipality of Prishtina. /A.Bytyçi/