Serbia’s latest decision to bar the entry of Kosovar boxers into Belgrade, including banning them from participating in the Global Boxing Championship, is according to Kosovo’s PM, Albin Kurti, a direct “violation of all international sports norms and standards”.
“Serbia should stage a show of force on the boxing ring, not at the border,” – wrote PM Kurti on a Twitter post.
In addition, he called on the international community to condemn ‘such violations and discriminatory acts”.
“I call on the EU and the international community to condemn this discriminatory act,” – said Kurti.
The Kosovo government has forewarned several measures against Serbia. The Minister of Sport, Hajrulla Ceku said yesterday that during the week, the cabinet will be making a decision regarding the implementation of an immediate halt to all Serbian parallel sports activities held in Kosovo.
He also added that there are many parallel structures of the Serbian Federations currently taking place in Kosovo that don’t comply with the law of the land.
This year, the International Boxing Championship is being held in Belgrade – it kicked off on October 24 and will go on until November 6. However, Kosovo won’t have a chance to participate in any of the races, due to Serbian authorities blocking the entry of the Kosovar athletes at the border.
Around 650 athletes from 105 countries are participating in this year’s championship. Kosovo would have been represented by 3 boxers: Bashkim Bajoku, Shpëtim Bajoku and Patriot Behrami.
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