Press Release, FBK-FIBA meeting

As been previously announced, today the Kosovo Basketball Federation’s delegation in composition of Mr. Erolld Belegu President, Mr. Arben Fetahu Member of the Board, and Mr. Jeton Nixha Secretary General, were hosted at the headquarters of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) by Mr. Lubomir Kotleba, Sports Director of FIBA delegated by the Secretary General of FIBA for Kosovo, and Mr. Benjamin Cohen, Director of the Legal Office ​​.

Throughout the meeting they discussed the possible development of basketball in Kosovo, FIBA’s support towards the compilation of the strategy for advancing this sport, and the key topic of this meeting – was the acceptance of KBF in FIBA. Discussions were held on the basis of the documents that were prepared by the Board of KBF, in which KBF argues the fulfillment of statutory requirements for admission in FIBA, including the fundamental prerequisite,
Kosovo’s international recognition.

Mr. Lubomir Kotleba complimented the work that KBF has gone through towards preparing the documents, and he mentioned that from a technical and sports standpoint in terms of the quality and the organizational progress in KBF, Kosovo is ranked 50-60 among countries with the most developed basketball in the world. He noted that basketball, structure and organization are not a problem for potential admission in FIBA, contrariwise he praised that the performance of KBF has been improved comparing it to previous years. Then again, he stressed out that the problem lies in convincing the leadership of FIBA regarding the international recognition of Kosovo. Further, he appeared satisfied with the level of basketball and the level of organization that the two Kosovar teams representing Kosovo in the Balkan League, are reflecting.

Mr. Cohen informed the Kosovar delegation on the steps that need to be followed for the formal application for admission in FIBA. An important part of this process is the presentation and the ability to defend the formal request in front of the Membership Committee. In this regard, KBF requested for the option in regards of being present when the presentation and the argumentation to fulfill the formal and procedural requirements is being held, in front of the Commission- an idea that was agreed in principle by FIBA counterpart.

Meanwhile, KBF asked FIBA for assistance in several areas, including support to devise a strategy for the development of basketball in general, and to work with young people in particular; developing the capacity of local referees and coaches through seminars, camps, and clinics, and also ensuring the compliance of the bylaws of KBF with the international norms. Furthermore, the parties agreed that KBF should submit their formal request to FIBA
for participation of the Kosovar referees and coaches in official trainings, camps organized by FIBA; while, when it comes to the financial support FIBA can be helpful in regards to young generations.