Kosovo is set to take measures over the course of the week in retaliation to Serbia’s move barring Kosovar boxers from participating at the 2021 World Boxing Championship held in Belgrade.

Minister of Culture and Sports Hajrulla Çeku issued a warning on stopping “parallel sports activities”, stating that a handful of Serbian federates operating in Kosovo are defying the country’s laws.

Çeku noted that a decision will be taken in accordance with recommendations that will be set forth by the National Council for the Prevention and Sanctioning of Violence and Negative Phenomena at Sports Events”.

The sports minister also denounced the decision of Serbian authorities during a press conference held on Monday, calling on the International Boxing Association, as well as the International Olympic Committee, to slap the organizers of the event with measures.

Çeku also warned that if the matter is not taken seriously “Kosovo will use all legal means against the punishment”.

“The approach of the Serbian state has surpassed sport’s dimensions and turned into a political matter. That is why we call on the European Union and other states to react to that decision so as to not allow that this violation and discrimination pass unnoticed”, appealed the minister.

The 2021 World Boxing Championship being held this year in Serbia began on October 24 and will conclude by 6 November. But Kosovo will not get a chance to compete after its boxers were turned away at the Serbian border.

Around 650 boxers from 150 countries are competing for the world title. Kosovo was to be represented by Bashkim Bajoku, Shpëtim Bajoku, and Patriot Behrami.

Kosovo’s Boxing Federation became a member of the World Boxing Federation in 2014.