The Directorate of Sports of the Municipality of Prishtina has announced that athletes and sports clubs from the capital who applied for subsidies will not be able to benefit due to what is described as “the blocking of the budget of the Municipality of Prishtina by the central level,” reports KosovaPress.

This is the full announcement issued by the Directorate of Sports in the Municipality of Prishtina:

Dear athletes, coaches, clubs, and citizens of Prishtina,

The Directorate of Sports of the Municipality of Prishtina informs you that it has completed on time and in accordance with all legal and administrative procedures the public call for the subsidization of athletes and sports clubs in the capital – a process we have followed every year with a high level of institutional seriousness.

Despite our full commitment and preparation, unfortunately this year we are unable to proceed with financial support for our athletes, due to the blocking of the budget of the Municipality of Prishtina by the central level. This situation has directly affected our ability to provide financial support to athletes who represent our capital with dignity and pride, both at home and abroad.

Our athletes do not deserve to be victims of political calculations, which instead of strengthening local institutions and supporting local talent, are denying them a fundamental right – the institutional support they rightfully deserve.

We, as the Directorate of Sports, express our regret and assure you that despite the challenges, we remain committed to continuing our unbroken engagement in defense of the rights of the sports community in the capital and in support of further development of sports, as one of the fundamental pillars of our social and cultural life.

We strongly hope that this situation will be resolved as soon as possible and that we will be enabled to return to regular institutional functioning, so we may continue the well-deserved support for all of you who honor the name of Prishtina with dedication, success, and professionalism.

​KosovaPress