VUJIČIĆ: SARAJEVO POLITICIZES EVEN SPORTS, ISRAELI TEAMS ARE WELCOME IN SRPSKA

SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 5 /SRNA/ – It is incomprehensible that there are individuals in Sarajevo who are bothered by sporting events featuring teams from Israel, since sports should remain outside the realm of politics, said Miroslav Vujičić, SNSD representative in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, in a statement to SRNA.

Vujičić emphasized that it is interesting how every global issue somehow reflects on BiH, and that some citizens even view sports events through the lens of politics and world affairs.

He added that sport represents a noble discipline meant to serve the benefit of all citizens, not to be politicized or abused.

"It is unfortunate that Sarajevo is being portrayed as a place where certain clubs or people from specific parts of the world are not welcome. We remember the failed attempt to hold the World Rabbinical Conference in Sarajevo", Vujičić pointed out.

He condemned all forms of action, protest, or rebellion against the holding of sports, cultural, or other events.

"In this way, a very negative message is being sent about Sarajevo and BiH. In Republika Srpska, we have no objections to any kind of event, regardless of the country from which the participants come", Vujičić said.

He invited sports clubs from all over the world to freely organize matches and competitions in Istočno Sarajevo or Banja Luka, where, as he emphasized, they will always be welcome.

Earlier today, a group of citizens entered the lobby of the Sarajevo Canton Government building, demanding that Sarajevo withdraw its hospitality to the basketball club Hapoel from Tel Aviv, which is scheduled to play an EuroLeague match tomorrow at the "Zetra" sports arena against Dubai.

The EuroLeague match was relocated to Sarajevo from Dubai because the United Arab Emirates does not allow Israeli clubs to compete on its territory due to the conflict in Gaza.