STUDY
UNfair Play >
Breaking the
International
Isolation of Sports
MAY 2010, PRISHTINA
Author:
Hajrulla Çeku
Editor in chief:
Ylli Hoxha
Editor:
Besa Luci
Researchers:
Besa Luci
Driton Syla
Ardian Arifaj
Design:
Trembelat
Contact
info@eklubi.eu
+ 381 38 221 881
“This publication was made
possible thanks to the support of
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). Its
content is the responsibility of
Foreign Policy Club and cannot be
considered as the view of FES.”
STUDY
UNfair Play
Breaking the International Isolation of Sports
MAY 2010, PRISHTINA
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations
5
Executive Summary
6
Introduction / Current situation
7
I. Kosova sports vis-à-vis internationalization
8
II. Fallbacks and isolation
9
Losses
9
Internal organization
10
The impact of politics
11
...and the human dimension
12
III. Possible options
14
Option 1 – Sports, a measure of good will
14
Option 2 – Sports arbitrage after rejection (case of Gibraltar)
14
Option 3 –Utilizing UNMIK
15
Option 4 – Participation in the Albanian Football League (case of Monaco) 15
Option 5 – Provisional solutions
IV. Recommendations
17
For the Kosova State Institutions
17
For the Olympic Committee and Sports Federations
18
For the International Institutions in Kosova
18
For the Civil Society
Sources
4 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
15
18
19
Annex – Overview of membership in international sports federations
23
About the Foreign Policy Club
26
Abbreviations
CEFTA – Central European Free Trade Agreement
FIVB – International Volleyball Federation
CEV – European Volleyball Confederation
IAAF – International Association of Athletics Fe-
EHF – European Handball Federation
deration
EJU – European Judo Union
IHF – International Handball Federation
ESC – European Shooting Confederation
IJF – International Judo Federation
ETF – European Tennis Federation
ISSF – International Shooting Sports Federation
ETTU – European Table Tennis Union
ITTF – International Table Tennis Federation
ETU – European Taekwondo Union
IWF – International Weightlifting Federation
EWF – European Weightlifting Federation
BC – Basketball Club
KBF – Kosova Basketball Federation
KOC – Kosova Olympic Committee
FIBA – International Basketball Federation
IOC– International Olympic Committee
FIFA – International Football Federation
MCYS – Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
FILA – International Federation of Associated
MFA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Wrestling Styles
UN – United Nations
FINA – International Swimming Federation
UCI – International Cycling Union
FIS – International Skiing Federation
UEFA – European Football Union
FITA – International Archery Federation
UNMIK – United Nations Mission in Kosova
KWF – Kosova Wrestling Federation
WTF – World Taekwondo Federation
KSSF – Kosova Shooting Sports Federation
KJF – Kosova Judo Federation
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 5
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
Executive Summary
In his Report for UNMIK, in January 5,
dimensions: losses (mainly financial), in-
2010, the UN Secretary General calls for a
ternal organization (Olympic Committee,
flexibility in finding a “modus operandi”
sports federations and state institutions),
for the participation of Kosova in regio-
influence of politics (Serbia, lobbying)
1
nal and international mechanisms . On
and the human dimension (KB Universi-
the other hand, European Commission’s
teti, Majlinda Kelmendi).
Progress Report for Serbia for 2009 calls
Notwithstanding the numerous
for finding a pragmatic solution to enable
obstacles to the internationalization of
Kosova’s participation in regional initia-
Kosova sports, some actions could be
2
tives . The Foreign Policy Club, through
also undertaken in the current circum-
this study, makes a proposition to pro-
stances. This study provides for five po-
mote sports as a measure of good will to
ssibilities for actions: Sport, a measure
ease the relations between Kosova and
of a good will (between Kosova and Ser-
Serbia. Kosova’s state institutions should
bia), Sport Arbitrage after rejection (case
include the issue of sports in the agenda
of Gibraltar), Use of UNMIK, Participation
of future talks between the two countri-
in the Football Albanian League (case of
es, with the specific request to remove
Monaco), and temporary solutions (pri-
the practical obstacles imposed by Ser-
vate leagues, white flag).
bia to the membership of Kosova’s fede-
Recommendations are to politicize
rations in the international ones. Serbia
the issue of sports internationalization,
should show its readiness for cooperati-
develop a strategy for this purpose, to
on, leaving aside its preventive politics
have an international lobbying for admi-
tion of the UN for the Security
towards the internationalization of Koso-
ssion to international federations, to put
Council on the International
va sports, as concrete evidence that it is
international pressure against Serbia in
Mission for Interim Administra-
interested in resolving the technical issu-
order to withdraw its blockades, increa-
tion in Kosovo, 5 January 2010,
es between the two countries.
se the quality of the internal organization
1
Report of the Secretary Genera-
Kosova has a negative balance in the
of sport institutions, to have a civil soci-
UNDOC/GEN/N09/668/87/PDF/
internationalization of it sports. As of to-
ety pressure against the domestic insti-
N0966887.pdf?OpenElement
day, only two Olympic sport federations
tutions to prioritize sports, to promote
of Kosova have gained full membership
pressure sport as a profitable business, to
http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/
in international federations, and in other
enhance and complement the sport-rela-
2009 Progress Report, 14.10.2009,
cases, membership is conditioned to limi-
ted legislation, to attract sponsors, etc.
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/
ted rights and the provision of an obser-
olacrf/20091014Elarg/SR_Rap-
ver status. This study shows the shortfalls
port_to_press_13_10.pdf
and isolation of the Kosova sport in four
2
European Commission, Serbia
6 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Introduction > Current Situation
to ministries in form of percentages, it is
8,0
in very difficult conditions, under the per-
only the sports budget is calculated in Eu-
4,0
manent threat from the occupier’s police
ros (see Figure 1 below). Compared with
0,0
force. Under such discouraging circumstan-
Serbia, which has allocated nearly €38 mi-
ces, the debate or the possibility for an in-
llion for its Ministry of Youth and Sports for
ternationalization of sports was almost
20103, Kosova has invested ten times less
unimaginable. At the time, internationali-
in sports. Since its functioning, the Kosova
zation was exclusively linked to the natio-
Assembly has never discussed on the issue
nal and political cause of Kosova. Another
of sports. Only a few sports federations ha-
rather difficult period for the Kosova sports
ve achieved membership in international
was the postwar period until the declarati-
federations, mostly with limited rights or
on of Kosova’s independence. During this
as observer members. The women’s vo-
period, the international UN administrati-
lleyball club Drita from Gjilan, a few days
on had exclusive competencies in all areas
prior to their journey to France to play a fri-
of governance. Consequently, the interna-
endly match (with an invitation by the Fren-
tionalization of sports, as a foreign policy
ch Volleyball Federation) was informed on
activity, relied on UNMIK’s mercy. While
the cancelation of the match after an inter-
the international administration was not
vention by a Serbian official in the Interna-
3
even slightly concerned on the issue of
tional Volleyball Federation. This year, in
Law on the Budget of the Republic
sports and Kosova athletes, the local go-
February, Canada’s Vancouver was host of
of Serbia for 2010 http://www.
vernments had put internationalization of
the Winter Olympic Games, and certainly
parlament.gov.rs/content/lat/
sports at the bottom of their policy priori-
Kosova, again, wasn’t represented in this
akta/akta_detalji.asp?Id=769&t=Z#
ties. Such disappointment followed sports
major event. The Kosova sports and, con-
(reviewed on 11.04.2010)
even after the country’s independence on
sequently, the Kosova economy lose milli-
17 February 2008. The utopia of 100 im-
ons every year as a result of sports lack of
4
mediate recognitions had an effect in the
internationalization. Above all, it is the Ko-
of Kosovo, Ministry of Economy
efforts to internationalize sports, declaring
sova athletes that suffer the most, and pay
and Finance, Budget of the
that membership of Kosova sports federa-
this isolation with stagnation in their pro-
Republic of Kosovo for 2010
tions in the international ones would be
fessional career development.
http://www.mef-rks.org/sq/
2012
12,0
a parallel activity, and it was carried out
2011
16,0
Today, while state budget is allocated
2010
of the priorities’ list for the state of Kosova.
2009
As any other political and economic activity, Kosova sport in the 1990s was also
Figure 1. Budget of the Ministry of Culture,
Youth and Sports (2009 and 2010) and projections for 2011 and 20104
Popular Parliament of Serbia, the
Government of the Republic
a closed issue with automatism. Certainly,
download/buxheti-i-konsoliduar-
neither the former nor the latter happened.
i-kosoves/2010/2365-buxheti-i-re-
Even after these periods and political deve-
publikes-se-kosoves-per-vitin-2010
lopments sports is still in the very bottom
(reviewed on 11.04.2010)
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 7
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
I. Kosova sports vis-à-vis
internationalization
Kosova is yet to adopt a strategy for
the Kosova Tennis Federation, which
Sports Internationalization. The Ministry
doesn’t specify any reason for rejecting
of Culture, Youth and Sports is in the fi-
the membership application. In another
nal drafting phase of the Sports Strategy,
case, the International Shooting Federa-
which, inter alia, also includes the issue
tion, has reasoned the rejection of the
of internationalization. Thus, efforts for
membership request of the Kosova Sho-
internationalization remain individual,
oting Federation with the criteria to first
unorganized, without the proper sup-
become members in IOC and UN, criteria
port, and consequently with rather poor
which have entered into force on 1 Janu-
results. As of today, only a few federati-
ary 2009, while the KSF’s application was
ons gained membership to international
first submitted on 2004 (first application)
federations. In most cases this member-
and April 2008 (second application). Ko-
ship is conditioned with limited rights,
sova has currently only two Olympic fede-
and the provision of an observer status.
rations with full and equal membership
On the other hand, the Kosova Olympic
rights in international federations: Ko-
Committee is yet to gain membership in
sova Ping-Pong Federation and Kosova
the International Olympic Committee, as
Weightlifting Federation. Kosova Sport
a precondition for this is international re-
is still in a miserable condition, waiting
cognition of five Olympic federations of
for internationalization5.
Kosova. Efforts of the Kosova federations
in internationalization have not shown
desired results.
While a certain number of rejections
for membership in international federations are due to Kosova’s incomplete international recognition (and not being
a member of the UN), other reasons for
rejection are related to the Kosova Olympic Committee’s lack of membership
in the IOC, non-fulfillment of the technical and procedural criteria for applicatiPlease find a detailed overview
on, and also include rejections without a
of applications and memberships
clear reference. Part of the latter category
in international federations in the
is the negative answer of the European
Annex of this analysis
Tennis Federation to the application of
5
8 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
II. Fallbacks and isolation
International isolation is a high cost
in international championships, the Ko-
to the Kosova sports. Many questions
sova clubs have lost millions of Euros in
remain unaddressed properly, from res-
revenues as a result of its isolation for
ponsibilities of state institutions, to our
a decade. A good example is the FIFA’s
professional preparations to face with
GOAL Program6, which allocates millions
the sports international level. On the ot-
of Euros every year to help countries wi-
her hand, financial losses from non-par-
th undeveloped (football) infrastructure.
ticipation in international competitions,
Kosova is not a beneficiary of this pro-
though without an accurate calculation,
gram. While the majority of less develo-
reach millions. There two reasons men-
ped countries secure funds by investing
tioned in the debate on the isolation of
in new generations of athletes and pro-
the Kosova sports: poor internal organi-
fits from their “exports”, in Kosova tens
zation of local institutions (KOC, sports
of athletes are transferred every year to
federations, sport clubs and the Ministry
foreign clubs without any compensation
of Sports) and the influence of politics
– due to non-recognition of the Kosova
(obstacles posed by Serbia, the politi-
clubs certificates by international federa-
cal status issue, etc.). The best indicators
tions. Kosova has a very high percentage
of the damages caused to Kosova as a
of youth, and when developed countri-
consequence of this international sports
es have started to age, “cultivating and
isolation are the regional countries and
exporting” athletes could become a very
their successes and profits from parti-
profitable business for the Kosova’s eco-
cipating in international competitions.
nomy in general.
Countries such as Montenegro (recently
When adding the aspect of inter-
independent), Macedonia, Albania, and
nal revenues (tickets, television rights,
even Bosnia and Herzegovina (with si-
other sales) which would naturally in-
milar political problems with Kosova)
crease when organizing international
are using sports to also improve their
matches, we can conclude that a deter-
country’s international image.
mining factor of the miserable financial
situation of the Kosova sports is isolation.
Losses
Selling television rights is a rather profi-
Losses to Kosova and its sports can be
table dimension in sports. “...amount of
categorized in two levels: first, financial
television rights for the Olympic Games
losses, which are vast. Taking into acco-
has increased from €308 million for the
6
unt the financial incentives of internati-
Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984, to
fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/
onal federations for participatory clubs
€1.4 billion for the Games in Sydney in
goalprogramme/index.html
FIFA’s GOAL Program http://img.
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 9
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
II. Fallbacks and isolation
179* > Britaina
2000. In 1992, broadcasters paid €434 mi-
authority for sports policies and its deve-
98 > Italy
llion for the television rights of the En-
lopment, followed by sports federations,
91 > Spain
glish Premier League for five seasons. In
sport clubs, Ministry of Sports and other
85 > Germany
2000 they paid €2.6 billion for three se-
state departments (e.g. Ministry of Fore-
7
52 > France
asons.” While playing for the Trocal Re-
ign Affairs). Kosova Olympic Committee
28 > Croatia
gional League, RTK had paid €50,000 to
continues to have very limited capacities,
8,5 > Greece
BC Universiteti for the rights to broadcast
while sports federations show a chronic
8,1 > Poloand
the matches. The annual budget of the
inability to overcome the challenges of
3,5 > North America
club for this period was over €200,000,
an internal organization for competitions
2,9 > Belgium
and today they barely can keep the club
in the national level. Sport clubs, save for
2,9 > Australia
alive for one championship.
a few, are in a permanent struggle for a fi-
Furthermore, internationalization
nancial existence, and their entire efforts
0,4 > Canada
would have a direct effect in increasing
are ended with the completion of a year’s
0,2 > Cyprus
the number of donors and sponsors, lo-
national championship competition. The
* million euros
cal and international, for Kosova’s sport
Ministry of Sports is still using the lack of
2 > Island
8
Table 1. Television rights, UEFA Champions
clubs . These revenues would automati-
sufficient funds as an alibi for progress
cally imply investments in sports infra-
and better results in the internationaliza-
structure, which currently doesn’t meet
tion of sports. Meanwhile, the Ministry of
the basic criteria for organizing a normal
Foreign Affairs, with the exception of one
match. Above all, losses are also suffered
meeting organized with the accredited
to a personal level. Hundreds and thou-
Ambassadors in Prishtina, hasn’t inclu-
sands of athlete’s careers are vanished,
ded the internationalization of the Koso-
being only limited to the Kosova terri-
va sports is in its priority policies.
League for the 2009-2010 season (per country)
Source: FootBiz http://footbiz.blog.capital.fr/
index.php?action=article&id_article=422489
tory. Several young and experienced
A permanent problem of the Kosova
basketball referees, who would be con-
sports is the need to refresh the sports
tion: Broadcasting Rights of
sidered as valuable assets in any other
federations’ management staff. A lar-
Sports Events http://ec.europa.
country, are not allowed to attend inter-
ge portion of federation managers ha-
eu/competition/speeches/text/
national training for referees, and as a
ve retained their positions for nearly two
sp2002_008_en.pdf
result, they cannot take the tests for in-
decades. The paper “Monarchs of sport
ternational certification of referees.
federations” provides evidences of long
7
8
Schaub, Sports and Competi-
stays in top positions in sport federati-
Law on Sponsorships is in the
drafting phase for a long period.
Internal organization
ons, thus posing an obstacle for the intro-
This law is considered as a proper
In the hierarchy of the institutions
duction of new staff and new governance
incentive for attracting invest-
and organizations of a country, the Ol-
mentality in the Kosova sports9. In additi-
ments in sports
ympic Committee is the top responsible
on, an element of fragmentation is seen
10 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
These statutes require that a member should
be recognized by the international community,
and since Kosova has already reached recognition by nearly one third of the world countries, it
leaves room for different interpretations...
in the Kosova sport federations, which
had stated: “These statutes require that
creates tensions among different groups
a member should be recognized by the
which aim to administer federations.
international community, and since Kosova has already reached recognition by
Impact of politics
nearly one third of the world countries,
Kosova Basketball Federation has
it leaves room for different interpreta-
proved that it is serious in its efforts to
tions on whether Kosova meets the cri-
10
gain membership in FIBA . Every neces-
teria of international recognition. It is
sary lobbying and procedural action for
here that politics come into play. Un-
membership in FIBA has been underta-
fortunately... it would be naïve to say
ken immaculately by the KBF officials.
that the political aspect has not impact,
Moreover, basketball is considered as
and it always depends on individuals.
9
the most successful sport in Kosova in
Serbia is very active in protecting its in-
federations, 01.03.2010 http://
the recent years. However, this Federa-
terests, and in sports it is much repre-
www.koha.net/index.php?cid=1,4
tion hasn’t received an official respon-
sented. This is another obstacle.”13 The
2,13336&sqr=monark%EBt
se from the international federation on
engagement of Serbia to preclude inter-
its application. During his visit in a fact-
nationalization of Kosova sports is not
10
finding mission in Kosova, Mr. Lubomir
a secret activity, as the Serbian Strategy
tion (http://www.fiba.com)
Kotleba, Sportive Director in FIBA, clear-
for the Sports Development specifically
ly described the sports reality of Kosova:
speaks of preventive and hindering acti-
11
“As far as basketball is concerned, you
ons against Kosova’s efforts to interna-
Kosovo in international sports
don’t need to do anything more”11, ad-
tionalize sports.
federations, http://en.wikipedia.
Koha Ditore, Monarchs of sport
International Basketball Federa-
Wikipedia, Membership of
ding that membership in FIBA is a poli-
The political dimension of the inter-
tical issue. In addition to the active role
nationalization of sports is also linked
vo_in_international_sports_
of Serbia in preventing internationaliza-
with a very practical detail. Looking at
federations#cite_note-13
tion of Kosova sports, and reasons such
representation in executive boards of in-
as UN membership, secret agreements
ternational federations (including the In-
12
between IOC12 and international fede-
ternational Olympic Committee) based
tee (http://www.olympic.org)
rations, the influence of Russia in the-
on countries of origin of its members,
se federations, are often mentioned as
we can see a significant presence of co-
13
the source of isolation. In an interview
untries that have recognized Kosova’s
to the Internationalization of
for a Foreign Policy Club documentary
independence. Although representati-
Kosovo Sports (Documentary), In-
on the challenges of the Kosova sports
on and voting in these bodies is not lin-
terview with Mr. Lucas Beglinger,
internationalization, the Swiss Ambas-
ked with politics and official positions of
Swiss Ambassador in Kosovo,
sador in Kosova, Mr. Lucas Beglinger,
countries of origin of its members, one
12.02.2010
org/wiki/Membership_of_Koso-
International Olympic Commit-
Foreign Policy Club, Challenges
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 11
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
II. Ngecjet dhe izolimi
14 Republic of Serbia, Ministry
form of pressure, however, could be put
uraging experience for the basketball
through national institutional channels.
players of BC Universiteti. Two of the
Best proof that political channels can
most distinguished players of the club,
unblock political obstacles for interna-
Elvira Dushku and Teuta Abdullahu, in-
tionalization is certainly the Serbian
stead of finding themselves in the tran-
Strategy and its role to block the inter-
sfer lists for European clubs, they are
nationalization of Kosova sports. On the
now pursuing new careers. They said
other hand, Kosova institutions still con-
their goodbyes to sports immediately
sider sports as being outside of politics,
after being excluded from regional the
thus, not only having a direct affect in
league. On the other hand, our coun-
this sector, but rather with a Kosova-wi-
try has, unofficially and mainly due to
de impact. Overcoming this situation is
personal influences, won a world gold
only possible with international pressu-
medal in the junior Judo competition.
re against Serbia to withdraw its practi-
The talented Kosova judoka, Majlinda
cal blockades against Kosova attempts
Kelmendi16, has proven that if given a
to internationalization, specifically for
chance, Kosova athletes can prove them-
membership international sports fede-
selves worthy of international competiti-
rations.
on. Though her name was not followed
with the representative country and a
of Youth and Sports http://www.
mos.gov.rs/modules.php?op=mo
...and the human dimension
state flag, Majlinda, nevertheless, is the
One of the most important events
best example as to how to think of the
dex&req=viewsdownload&sid=1
in the Kosova sports in the last decade
human dimension of athletes, whose
(reviewed on 11.04.2010)
was the participation of the (women’s)
sportive careers should not be kept ho-
Basketball Club ‘Universiteti’ in the Re-
stage of political problems between co-
15 Republic of Serbia, Ministry
gional Trocal League. Though a private
untries.
of Youth and Sports http://www.
league, having a regional competition
mos.gov.rs/modules.php?op=mo
was an excellent possibility for Kosova
dload&name=Downloads&file=in
clubs, which weren’t challenged beyond
dex&req=viewsdownload&sid=1
Kosova borders. This adventure, howe-
(reviewed on 11.04.2010)
ver, lasted only one year, as with the in-
dload&name=Downloads&file=in
crease of the number of participating
16 More on Majlinda Kelmendi
clubs in this league, came a request and
http://www.judoinside.com/
an explicit condition of Serbian clubs to
uk/?factfile/view/42942/majlin-
exclude the Kosova club. Returning to
da_kelmendi
the domestic competition was a disco-
12 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Area
Objective
Activity
Responsible institution –
Funding
SPORTS LEGISLATION
Support provided in maintain-
Legal and advisory assistance
Ministry of Youth and Sports,
ing the position of Serbia in
for state federations in pre-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
international sports organiza-
venting possible membership
Sports League of Serbia, Ser-
tions
of the Autonomous Province
bian Olympic Committee
of Kosova and Metohija in
international sports organiza-
No additional funds are
tions
planned for these activities
Table 2. Serbian Strategy for the Sports Development 2009 - 201314
Objective
Activity
Indicator
Responsible
Funding
Timeframe
authority
Support provid-
Legal and advi-
-number of
Ministry of Youth
This activity
ed to maintain
sory assistance for
consultations
and Sports, Min-
doesn’t require
the position of
the state federa-
developed
istry of Foreign
any additional
Serbia in inter-
tions to prevent
Affairs, Sports
budget
national sports
possible member-
League of Serbia,
organizations
ship of sports
Serbian Olympic
federations of the
Committee
2009 – ongoing
so-called Republic
of Kosova in international sports
organizations
Table 3. Sport Strategy Implementation Action Plan in the Republic of Serbia 2009 - 201315
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 13
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
III. Possible options
The debate on Kosova sport interna-
the practical obstacles against Kosova’s
tionalization is not a predominant de-
membership in international sports fede-
bate in the Kosova society and politics.
rations. Serbia should show its readiness
Furthermore, when having this debate,
for cooperation, by eliminating the pre-
it is not done in a structural manner. Wi-
ventive practices against membership of
th the exception of some private initi-
Kosova federations to international ones.
atives, which are lost in our clamorous
political and social days, two years after
Option 2 – Sports arbitrage after
the declaration of independence, sports
rejection (case of Gibraltar)
continues to be an issue for junior state
Gibraltar is an autonomous territory
officials. Thus, the debate on alternative
of Great Britain, and even though it is
(temporary) options, in the absence of
not an independent country and covers
a permanent solution, is not developed.
a small surface, it has proven greatly com-
Foreign Policy Club, through conferen-
petent in facing international sports fede-
ces on sports internationalization, in ad-
rations. Gibraltar has 11 Olympic sports
dition to keeping this debate alive, aims
federations, including many sports fede-
to provide possible options to challenge
rations that are admitted in internatio-
this international isolation.
nal federations. The case of its Football
Federation is more specific, since mem-
Option 1 – Sports, a
bership in UEFA was subjected to Article
measure of good will
5 (amended in the meantime) of UEFA’s
The recent international messages to
statute, which stipulates that members
Kosova and Serbia are on the flexibility
to this entity may be federations of in-
for a regional cooperation and integrati-
dependent countries, while this require-
on. These messages aim to find practical
ment did not exist earlier. The Gibraltar
solutions for the disputed issues between
Football Federation decided not to take
the two countries. Sports can serve as
the UEFA rejection for granted and de-
an important moment of the relations
manded arbitration on the issue by the
between Kosova and Serbia, if they are
Court of Arbitration for Sport17. The case
promoted as a measure of a good will.
won in this Court represents a very strong
To prove the good will of both countries
precedent for other cases, including the
in seeking practical solutions, Kosova in-
Kosova sports federations which take the
stitutions should bring forward to the fu-
rejections as concluded matters.
ture talks agenda the issue of sports, with
specific requests for Serbia to remove
14 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Option 3 – Utilizing UNMIK
ble options for Kosovar sports is to anal-
Other than one letter sent by SRSG Jo-
yze legal and technical requirements for
achim Rucker to the president of the In-
participating, with one or more Kosovar
ternational Olympic Committee on the
clubs, in the Albanian national football
possibility of Kosova’s participation in
league. Such participation would stimula-
international sports events18, UNMIK did
te an improvement of the quality and a fi-
not undertake any substantial actions
nancial contribution for Kosova football,
towards the internationalization of Ko-
while at the same time opening the pa-
sovar sports. The CEFTA agreement and
th for Kosovar clubs to gain the right to
Kosova’s membership, through UNMIK,
compete in European football cups and
in this regional initiative, may serve as
competitions, certainly pending their su-
a good model and precedent for facili-
ccesses in this league. The possibility for
tating membership processes in interna-
similar options for other sports should
tional sports federations. On the other
be further explored, while football could
hand, the UN Secretary General appoin-
serve as an initial project of a long and
ted a Special Sports Envoy, which is alre-
multiple step process.
ady notified on the Kosova case and may
act as a facilitator in contacts with inter-
Option 5 – Provisional solutions
national federations and the Internatio-
There are many other forms for bre-
nal Olympic Committee. UNMIK is an ever
aking international isolation in sports.
present opportunity, and its utilization in
First of all, sports federations and clu-
sports internationalization is entirely de-
bs should remain maximally engaged in
pendent on the will and interest of Koso-
arranging games of friendly character wi-
va state institutions.
th other countries. These games, which
could be further perfected through par-
17
Option 4 – Participation in the Albani-
ticipation in informal international tour-
nal Arbitral du Sport - http://www.
an Football League (case of Monaco)
naments, represent a strong motivation
tas-cas.org
Monaco Football Club, of the state of
for athletes and often a strong political
Monaco, competes in the first league of
message on the obstacles faced by sports.
18
the French football championship. More-
The case of Majlinda Kelmendi, the Ko-
and the official response of IOC
over, the successes reached in the Fren-
sovar judo competitor that won a world
was “NOT diplomatic”. Unof-
ch national league gave FC Monaco the
gold medal although she did not present
ficially, after this letter, IOC has
opportunity to represent France in Euro-
herself as a Kosovar athlete, represents
immediately contacted the UNMIK
pean club football competitions (such as
another transitional solution which co-
officials to state that nothing can
the Champions League). One of the possi-
uld be used by other athletes and sports
be done fro the moment
For more information see Tribu-
The letter was sent in end 2007,
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 15
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
III. Possible options
until the political issues are resolved. The
bership and representation in internatio-
participation of these athletes (mostly in
nal federations even if the status of fully
individual disciplines) under the Olympic
fledged members cannot be obtained
flag or the flag of the respective interna-
immediately. Membership with limited
tional federation, would make possible
rights of a number of Kosovar federati-
individual athlete internationalization,
ons, as proven to date, provides a good
until full internationalization of sports fe-
opportunity for sports clubs to take part
derations is realized. Above all, Kosova
in official European club competitions.
sports federations should fight for mem-
16 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
IV. Recommendations
For Kosova state institutions
groups/departments responsible for the
> The Government of Kosova (MCYS
implementation of the sports internatio-
and MFA), in cooperation with the sports
nalization strategy. This process should
community, should draft a common stra-
include diplomatic representatives of co-
tegy on the matter of sports internationa-
untries like Switzerland, Austria, Belgium,
lization. This issue should be treated as a
etc. in Kosova.
matter of urgency by the Government of
> The lobbying process should include
Kosova. IOC membership respectively the
engagement of active and globally renown
participation of Kosovar athletes in the
athletes, retired athletes and athletes who-
2012 Olympics should be determined as
se penetrability in right places could play a
fundamental objectives of this strategy,
significant role,
> The country’s institutions should
> The country’s institutions should
immediately assist sports federations, in
work in mobilizing international represen-
financial and administrative aspects, in ful-
tatives in finding ways to integrate Kosovar
filling the necessary criteria for application
sports federations in respective internati-
in international federations. Special focus
onal federations. The support from frien-
should be placed on federations that ha-
dly states should be officially requested,
ve realistic possibilities for obtaining mem-
more intensely than until now, to support
bership, in order for Kosova to accomplish
in sports internationalization and in mo-
the prerequisite for IOC application, name-
bilizing their administrative sportive ca-
ly the admittance of five Olympic federati-
pacities to support Kosova’s membership
ons. Allocation of a special budget for this
endeavors,
process should be considered,
> The Quint and other EU member sta-
> “Politicization” of the issue of Koso-
tes should be asked to assist in ‘convincing’
var sports internationalization. The issue of
the Government of Serbia – considered the
sports internationalization should be trea-
inheritor of Yugoslavia since its disintegra-
ted as an integral part of the lobbying for
tion – to lift the blockade placed over Koso-
the recognition of Kosova’s independence
var sports internationalization,
and its membership in international orga-
> The Assembly of Kosova should
nizations, thus becoming part of the offi-
approve a resolution to demand lifting of
cial Kosovar agenda and pressure applied
the blockade for Kosovar sports internati-
by all Kosovar officials towards the frien-
onalization.
dly states and other international forums,
> The Government should allocate
specific funding and appoint individuals/
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 17
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
IV. Recommendations
For the Olympic Committee
should represent one of the priorities of
and Sports Federations
these institutions, since they are able to
> Along with the demands for full
establish communication channels and
memberships, the sports internationali-
facilitate the procedures of application
zation strategy should encompass transi-
of Kosovar federations for membership
tional arrangements (such as competing
in international federations,
under Olympic/European flags, compe-
> Facilitation of sports promotion
ting at club level, usage of the right of fri-
processes, as a measure of good will
endly states for common competitions,
between Kosova and Serbia.
etc.). These arrangements should be applicable in cases of failure to exert the fundamental demands,
For the civil society
> Civil society organizations in Kosova
> Immediate engagement in develo-
should apply greater pressure over Koso-
ping professional capacities, with special
va state institutions to prioritize the issue
emphasis on the administrative scope, in
of sports internationalization,
order to professionally prepare the formal
> Civil society organizations, along
basis for application and eventual mem-
with sports federations and the Kosova
bership in international federations,
Olympic Committee (which also enjoy the
> The rejection of the applications for
status of NGOs) should promote the be-
membership in international federations
nefits that Kosova will enjoy from sports
does not represent the end of the proce-
internationalization,
ss. In certain cases, it may in fact be the
> Civil society organizations, along
beginning of the journey. Arbitration for
with sports federations and the Kosova
sport is a real and rather important ave-
Olympic Committee, should apply gre-
nue to be used in the journey towards
at pressures and provide alternatives re-
membership in international federations.
garding the completion of the necessary
legal infrastructure to encompass inter-
For international
institutions in Kosova
> International institutions and missions with executive authorities in Kosova should prove les negligent towards
sports and should treat it first of all as a
political problem,
> Kosovar sports internationalization
18 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
national sports.
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 19
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
Sources
European Commission, Serbia 2009 Progress Report, 14.10.2009,
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/olacrf/20091014Elarg/SR_Rapport_to_press_13_10.pdf
Foot Biz, Television Rights, UEFA Champions League, season 2009-2010 (country
based) http://footbiz.blog.capital.fr/index.php?action=article&id_article=422489
Interview with Mr. Erolld Belegu,
President of the Kosova Basketball Federation, 26 March 2010
Interview with Mr. Besim Hasan,
President of the Kosova Olympic Committee, 26 March 2010
Interview with an UNMIK official, 30 April 2010
Judo Inside, Majlinda Kelmendi
http://www.judoinside.com/uk/?factfile/view/42942/majlinda_kelmendi
Foreign Policy Club, Kosova’s admission in International Sports Institutions “Distribution of Sports Files”, Prishtina, 26 January 2009
Foreign Policy Club, Challenges of Kosovar Sports Internationalization (documentary), Prishtina, 12 February 2010
Koha Ditore, Monarchs of Sports Federations, 01.03.2010
http://www.koha.net/index.php?cid=1,42,13336&sqr=monark%EBt
Kohavision, Specialized Basketball Program “Asist”
National Serbian Parliament, Law on the Budget of Republic of Serbia for 2010
http://www.parlament.gov.rs/content/lat/akta/akta_detalji.asp?Id=769&t=Z#
GOAL Programme of the International Football Federation - FIFA
http://img.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/goalprogramme/index.html
The Government of Republic of Kosova, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Budget
20 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Sources
of the Republic of Kosova for 2010 http://www.mef-rks.org/sq/download/buxheti-ikonsoliduar-i-kosoves/2010/2365-buxheti-i-republikes-se-kosoves-per-vitin-2010
Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Strategy for Sports Development
in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2009 – 2013 http://www.mos.gov.rs/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index&req=viewsdownload&sid=1
Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Sports Development in the Republic of Serbia for the period
2009 – 2013 http://www.mos.gov.rs/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&
file=index&req=viewsdownload&sid=1
Schaub, Alexander, Sports and Competition: Broadcasting Rights of Sports Events
http://ec.europa.eu/competition/speeches/text/sp2002_008_en.pdf, Madrid, 26
February 2002
Tribunal Arbitral du Sport, Arbitration CAS 2002/O/410 The Gibraltar Football
Association (GFA)/Union des Associations Europeennes de Football (UEFA), award
of 7 October 2003 – http://jurisprudence.tas-cas.org/sites/CaseLaw/Shared%20Documents/410.pdf
United Nations, Security Council, Report of the Secretary-General on the United
Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova, 5 January 2010, http://daccessdds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N09/668/87/PDF/N0966887.pdf?OpenElement
Wikipedia, Membership of Kosova in international sports federations, http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membership_of_Kosova_in_international_sports_
federations#cite_note-13
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 21
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
Annex – Overview of membership in international sports federations (Kosova Olympic federations) 19
Nr.
01
Federation
Application for membership
Membership criterion of international
in international federation
recognition (statutory)
Kosova Athletics Federation
IAAF (International Association of Athletics
There are no state recognition criteria, only Fed-
www.fakosova.org
Federations) at end-2008
erations that organize competitions in a respec-
www.iaaf.org
tive state or territory. However, since 1 January
2006, IAAF decided not to accept territories
02
Kosova Basketball Federation
Last application on 1 December 2009 in FIBA (In-
ship in the UN There is no official response to
www.basketbolli.com
ternational Basketball Federation) www.fiba.com
the last application (silence).
KBF applied several times earlier to FIBA
KOC membership in IOC and Kosova’s member-
03
Kosova Boxing Federation
1. The last application in April 2010 to AIBA (In-
There are no state recognition criteria, only
ternational Boxing Association) www.aiba.org
Federations that organize competitions in a
2. Admission in AIBA means automated admis-
respective state or territory
sion to EABA (European Boxing Association)
04
05
Kosova Cycling Federation
On 14 March 2008 in UCI (International Cycling
There are no state recognition criteria, only
Union) www.uci.ch
Federations that organize competitions in a
respective state or territory
Kosova Football Federation
To FIFA (International Football Federation) on 30
FIFA statute demands the state to be internation-
www.ffk-kosova.com
April 2008 www.fifa.com
ally recognized. UEFA statute requires membership in UN. FIFA requires UEFA’s opinion on the
admission of new federations
06
Kosova Handball Federation
1. In January 2004 in EHF (European Handball
www.kosovahandball.com
Federation) www.eurohandball.com
Internationally recognized state (unspecified)
2. Admission in EHF means automated admission
in IHF (International Handball Federation) www.
ihf.info
07
Kosova Wrestling Federation
1. Last application to FILA (International Wres-
Membership of KOC in IOC and membership of
www.kosova-wrestling.com
tling Federation) in 2008
Kosova in UN
www.fila-wrestling.com
2. Admission in FILA means automated admission in CELA (European Wrestling Council) www.
cela-wrestling.com
08
Kosova Swimming Federation
09
Kosova Weightlifting Federation
1. In May 2008 in IWF (International Weightlift-
There are no state recognition criteria, only
www.kosovaweightlifting.com
ing Federation) www.iwf.net
Federations that organize competitions in a
2. In February 2008 in EWF (European Weightlift-
respective state or territory
In 2008 in FINA (International Swimming Federa-
Kosova’s membership in UN
tion) www.fina.org
ing Federation) www.ewf.sm
10
Kosova Table Tennis Federation
1. In end-2002 in ITTF (International Table Tennis
There are no state recognition criteria, only
www.fppk.com
Federation) www.ittf.com
Federations that organize competitions in a
2. Admission in ITTF means automated admission
respective state or territory
in ETTU (European Table Tennis Union) www.
ettu.org
22 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Application/membership
Membership status
Expectations
response
Rejection due to lack of international recognition
N/A
Awaiting movements in the political sphere
of Kosova
Twice before the application was rejected due to
N/A
the fact that Kosova was not a state (2007) and
Awaiting the accomplishment of membership
criteria to IOC and UN
due to the failure of KOC to be admitted in IOC
(2008)
Written refusal from AIBA since KOC is not mem-
N/A
ber of IOC and Kosova is not a UN member
Appeal fir tge second point of refusal, as
the Statute of AIBA does not require the UN
membership
Cannot be admitted since KOC is not member of
Status of member with limited rights. Only
Awaiting the accomplishment of IOC member-
IOC
clubs and individuals, but no national team
ship criterion
competition
Rejected since Kosova is recognized by a small
N/A
In end-May 2010, it is expected that the request
number of states and a substantial increase of
to FIFA on FFK being the sole authority for
the number of recognitions should be awaited
issuing international transfer certificates for
Kosova players
1. Positive from the European Handball Federa-
1. Associate member if EHF
Obtainment of full membership in September
tion in December 2004
2. Associate member if IHF
2010 EHF Congress in Copenhagen
2. Positive from the International Handball
Cannot compete with the national team and
Federation in 2007
cannot use flag or anthem
Positive from FILA IN September 2008
Associate member of FILA (no right to participate
When KOC is admitted in IOC, FMK will become
in world, European or Olympic competitions)
a fully fledged member of FILA
N/A
Repeated application to FINA
1. Positive from the International Weightlifting
1. Fully fledged member of IWF
Organization of a exhibition competition of
Federation on 18 June 2008
2. Fully fledged member of EWF
international character in Kosova during 2010.
No official response to the application (silence)
2. Positive from the European Weightlifting
Improvement of sportive and competitive quality
Federation
to face international competition
May 2003, during the Paris Congress, Kosova
Table Tennis was admitted
Fully fledged member of ITTF and ETTU
Improvement of sportive and competitive quality
to face international competition
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 23
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
Nr.
11
12
Federation
Kosova Skiing Federation
Application for membership
Membership criterion of international
in international federation
recognition (statutory)
In 2006 in FIS (International Skiing Federation)
There are no state recognition criteria, only
www.fis-ski.com
Federations that organize competitions in a
respective state or territory
Kosova Shooting Sport Federation
1. In 2004, first application to ISSF (International
ISFF demands, since 1 January 2009, membership
Shooting Sport Federation) www.issf-sports.org,
of the National Olympic Committee in IOC and
in April 2008, second application to ISSF
membership of the state in UN
2. In May 2008 in ESC (European Shooting
Confederation) www.esc-shooting.org
13
14
15
Kosova Tennis Federation
On 4 May 2010 in ETF (European Tennis Federa-
There are no state recognition criteria, only
www.tenniskosova.com
tion) www.tenniseurope.org
Federations that organize competitions in a
respective state or territory
Kosova Volleyball Federation
In January 2009 in FIVB (International Volleyball
www.fvk-ks.org
Federation) www.fivb.ch and CEV (European
Kosova’s membership in UN
Volleyball Confederation) www.cev.lu
Kosova Judo Federation
1. Last application to EJU (European Judo Union)
KOC membership in IOC
in August 2009 www.eju.net
2. Membership in EJU means automated membership in IJF (International Judo Federation)
www.intjudo.eu
16
17
19
Kosova Taekwondo Federation
Kosova Archery Federation
Application to ETU (European Taekwondo Union)
There are no state recognition criteria, only
www.etutaekwondo.org and to WTF (World
Federations that organize competitions in a
Taekwondo Federation) www.wtf.org
respective state or territory
On 17 June 2009, in FITA (International Archery
There are no state recognition criteria, only
Federation) www.archery.org
Federations that organize competitions in a
respective state or territory
In addition to Olympic federations, Kosovo has nine other non-Olympic sports federations: Aeronautics, Automobilism, Alpinism, Bodybuild-
ing, Disabilities, Karate, Kickboxing, Chess and Softball. Only the Softball Federation of Kosovo is member with full rights of the ISF, www.
internationalsoftball.com
24 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
Application/membership
Membership status
Expectations
response
Positive for participation in international compe-
Observer FIS member, no voting rights
titions
1. Written rejection since KOC is not member of
The right of voting in FIS and participation in
Winter Olympic Games
N/A
At the ISSF Assembly in July 2010, in Munich, the
IOC and Kosova is not member of UN
rejection reasons will be opposed, since applica-
2. Rejected since KOC is not member of EOC
tion in ISSF occurred prior to the entry into force
(European Olympic Committee)
of the criteria for IOC and UN membership. If no
success is reached, the issue can be addressed
through international sport arbitration
On 17 February 2010, rejection without any
N/A
specific reason
Lobbying in political decision-making centers
to overcome the Serbian and Russian blockade
in ETF
Cannot be admitted since Kosova is not member
N/A
of UN and KOC is not member of IOC
Lobbying for admission in international federations through meetings with national federations
Written rejection from EJU since KOC is not
IJF member with limited rights (no flag), partici-
Continuous reminders to EJU regarding KJF’s
member of IOC
pation in world competitions, competition under
membership request
IJF flag (temporary solution)
Awaiting response
N/A
Membership in ETU and WTF
Positive on 6 August 2009
Interim member with all rights, expect for vot-
Full membership expected during the FITA
ing
Congress in Torino (Italy) in July 2011.
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 25
UNFAIR PLAY > BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION OF SPORTS
About the Foreign Policy Club
Foreign Policy Club is a nongovernmental organization comprised of renowned
intellectuals, politicians, and civil society activists, distinguished in foreign policy. Through an intellectual debate, the Club seeks to offer its contribution through providing recommendations for the generation of Kosova’s Foreign Policy, in
the function of peace in Kosova, region and the world. The Club organizes debates, analyses the recent developments and offers recommendations on Kosova’s
foreign policy, focuses in analyzing global trends which have an impact in the
Kosova’s daily economy and policy, and researches Kosova’s global integration
opportunities. The Club shall also strive to bring into attention of Kosova’s public
the world’s current debates and attract the attention on Kosova policy’s essential
steps vis-à-vis these developments. The Club, through its activity and intensive debate, shall generate recommendations and programs regarding integration processes in the regional, European and global sense, especially regarding the process
of EU and NATO integrations, which are at the disposal of Kosova’s institutions.
Special focus of this organization will be the conduct of a debate on immediate actions that Kosova institutions need to undertake in the diplomatic sphere
in function of Kosova’s recognition from UN member-states, as well as Kosova’s
admission in international organizations, such as in UN, CoE, OSCE, World Bank,
IMF, Islamic Conference Organization, Olympic Committee, etc. The Club shall
strive to stimulate such debate until Kosova’s recognition is obtained by the majority of states worldwide and until Kosova becomes a member of the abovemenForeign Policy Club
tioned organizations. It is the Club’s intent to recruit human capacities that have
Ferat Dragaj St. 39/A,
proven affinities in the sphere of foreign policy. The Club shall develop special
Bregu i Diellit, Prishtinë
academic programs for advancing this profile of professionals, which is of vital
038 221 881
significance for this institutional sector.
info@eklubi.com
http://www.eklubi.com
26 > FOREIGN POLICY CLUB
The institucional activity of Foreign Policy Club is supported by the Open Society Institute (through Think Tank Fund) and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
FOREIGN POLICY CLUB > 27