B&H Basketball Federation: Failure to issue visas to Kosovo basketball players would cause incalculable damage

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Basketball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a press release explaining the dispute over visas that were not issued to Kosovo basketball players before their arrival at the European Championship in B&H. 

Following the uncertainties that arose in the public regarding the non-issuance of visas to the Kosovo national team for coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina and participating in the U-16 European Championship B-Division (cadets), which begins today in Sarajevo, organized by the Basketball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are obliged to state the following:

- The Management Board of the Basketball Federation of B&H concluded at its session on November 2, 2017, to submit applications for organizing the U-16 championship for younger male categories

- According to our candidacy, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) awarded the B&H Basketball Federation the organization of the 2018 U-16 European Championship for cadets

- In May of this year, a contract was signed with FIBA regarding the holding of the U-16 championship in Sarajevo

- The Basketball Federation of B&H took the necessary measures so that the Kosovo national team would receive visas for entry into our country on time. From the B&H Embassy in Macedonia, we received notification that the visas were prepared and were awaiting the consent of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of B&H, Igor Crnatko, in order to issue them to the Kosovo national team

- On August 8, 2018, FIBA, in a letter addressed to the B&H Basketball Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of B&H, warned that they had received notification from the Basketball Federation of Kosovo that the B&H Embassy in Skopje had refused to issue them visas and that, consequently, they could not travel to Sarajevo

- In the letter, FIBA stated that the organizer is obliged to ensure the issuance of visas and that, if this is not done, FIBA will sanction the organizer, including financial penalties

- We warn the public that the non-issuance of visas to the Kosovo selection could cause incalculable damage to the Basketball Federation of B&H, not only due to possible sanctions, but also for future cooperation with FIBA, which in the past has shown much understanding for the B&H Basketball Federation and provided us with valuable support

- We therefore call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Mr. Crnatko, to, in accordance with its authority, approve the issuance of visas to the Kosovo selection to come to B&H and prevent the catastrophe threatening the B&H Basketball Federation

- The President of the Management Board of the Basketball Federation of B&H, Dalibor Miloš, signed a letter today confirming the decision of the Management Board to stand behind the organization of the U-16 European Championship B-Division in Sarajevo, and the same has been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of B&H and Minister Crnatko.