Zeljković claims Football Association operates without politics

(Patria) - A press conference was held today at the premises of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina to recap the work of the BiH football governing body in 2025.

Addressing the media, alongside Sergej Barbarez and Emir Spahić, was also the president Vico Zeljković, who thanked everyone at the beginning and wished them happy holidays.

"The great interest from you media shows that we are doing a good job within the Association. Welcome everyone, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I also want to wish you a happy upcoming holiday and New Year. Besides health, I wish you all success in your professional work."

He emphasized that he is satisfied with what has been done so far, reports N1.

"Today we want to talk about what has been done, but also about what lies ahead and in which direction BiH football wants to go. We want good communication with the media. It was at one level – now we want to improve it. At the very beginning, I would like to address the "A" national team. Barbarez is here, as is director Spahić. We are doing a lot, but the national team is the most important. The past year was not easy – it had many challenges. We are aware that we have introduced certain things. The appointment of Mr. Barbarez and Emir Spahić showed the most. A new professional staff was formed at the suggestion of the director and coach. We tried to build continuity on that basis. It is undeniable that the coach and director have full support, and we are entering the new year stably. Results cannot come overnight. We have presented the goal, we are moving towards it, and we will all try to contribute. We must be aware of the situation that we are developing well towards our goals. Even faster than we planned. Therefore, we must express our satisfaction."

He points out that special focus will be placed on youth categories in the future.

"Besides the "A" team, we are also looking at youth categories. Without youth selections, there is no success for the "A" selection. There are many players who were not in our selections. We have certain things to arrange. I want to say that we are taking care of this and we want progress. There are no results yet, but it is important that players are developed from these selections for the "A" team. Women's football is no longer a secondary topic, but with less visibility than men's football. However, we are dedicated to its growth. Football is also growing – and the FSBiH will continue to support this segment. We want to open new financial windows so that we can direct them towards football."

He also wants continued progress in the domestic league.

"Domestic competitions are the backbone of our football. We are focused on the quality, stability, and regularity of all leagues. With special attention to youth football. We have initiated the potential formation of a joint second league. From the New Year, this will be public, and we will try to satisfy all parties. By appointing a new head of referees, we have shown our commitment and transparency. We expect a big improvement from January 1st when Mr. Čeferin takes office. We do not want to shift responsibility from ourselves, but we want to improve these things through more professional work. We want the satisfaction of fans, media, clubs... Football is like that, and everyone has the right to comment. Congratulations also to Zrinjski for successfully passing the group stage of the Conference League. This is the third year of qualifying for the group stage, the second group, and these things are not accidental. Regardless of how anyone looks at it – it is a success for BiH clubs," states Zeljković.

Infrastructure remains a priority.

"The project for fields and floodlights has been realized. This is already visible in the results in Europe. Now, 18 new artificial turf fields are next, and we want to expand the Training Camp in Zenica. Of course, in addition to this, we have the main project of building a national stadium in Zenica. We have signed the contract and the conceptual design, and the project development will follow very soon. We have a situation where by spring/summer we could have complete documentation and be able to talk about financing such a project," said the head of FSBiH.

The president of FSBiH was asked how the Executive Board functions without representatives from FSKS.

"It is a fact that we conducted elections this year. We have successfully completed everything in 16 out of 17 regions. After that, we completed the top-level elections, and unfortunately, that was not the case in Sarajevo Canton. We tried to help from our side. The Federal Association formed a committee that assisted with the elections. The Ministry of Justice of Sarajevo Canton, which is responsible for FSKS, did not register the changes. They did not give the green light, and in the end, the situation is such that they sent a letter stating that the old group of people who led the FSKS association have legal continuity to lead the Association until new elections. Immediately after the holidays, we will try to contribute from our side through Sarajevo, Željo, and people who were in the leadership of FSKS. We will try to help them conduct elections as soon as possible so that cadres from Sarajevo Canton can take their place in the Association," he said.

Zeljković also spoke about refereeing.

"Due to conflicting opinions and attitudes of the media and the public on the segment of refereeing, we have already carried out a reform that is neither small nor simple. We brought in an external person with experience and references. He needs to organize and improve it. He has UEFA's support, which is important. I believe that with this move, we will be able to praise the improvement of refereeing. We have actually – although we see it differently, taken steps and made concrete moves," said Zeljković, and then addressed the question of whether there are pressures to prevent the merger of the 1st League FBiH and the 1st League RS.

"We are an Association without political influence. FSBiH operates without political interference, but we stand behind it and know how we work. We do not have that kind of influence, we do not have those kinds of problems. Whether there are certain moments when discussions with institutions must be held, but that is all. If we had more dialogue, the situation would be much better. No matter how exhausting it is, we always reach a solution. Several closed-door meetings have already been held. Of course, there are pressures, not political, but football-related. This does not suit either FSRS or FSFBiH. We are looking for a model to continue developing football, because after shortening the league to 10 clubs – it would be ideal for this to happen. Primarily for the quality of football."

How will Mr. Čeferin be able to help improve refereeing?

"When one talks in such a way, it shows that someone cares and is trying to improve things. I will say the parts that I can say. Others will say when Mr. Čeferin comes out with reforms publicly. Every reform involves painful cuts. It is expected that in the coming period – by May at the latest – he will come out with a complete proposal for refereeing reform, which includes the things you mentioned. How we entered the project and how we gave trust to Čeferin. He will be the one to delegate, analyze, and evaluate. This requires serious work – Mr. Čeferin will have his team. This team will be from UEFA bodies that do these things for other Associations. Simply put – everyone will have certain chances, but they will not be repeated as before. Those who "curse" will be immediately eliminated," said Zeljković, and then added:

"Mistakes have happened and will happen, but the important thing is whether they are the result of simple mistakes or intentions. Certainly, what I can say is that, knowing the mentality, refereeing will immediately improve by 20-30%. Mr. Čeferin will improve the rest through his proposals and measures." The lists are too large and there will be significant reductions and cuts. Our "A" list has about 27 names, this will go down to 15 referees. What always remains a possibility for Mr. Čeferin is to always pull any referee from any league to officiate certain matches. UEFA's intention is to do this with certain cadres, but some things need to be approached more seriously. We want a product that we will all be satisfied with."