KBF reacts strongly to attack on referee in Vëllaznimi – Prishtina match

The Basketball Federation of Kosovo has reacted strongly after last night’s incident in the Kosovo Superleague, condemning the physical attack on referee Erzen Haxhani during the match between KB Vëllaznimi and KB Sigal Prishtina at the “Shani Nushi” sports hall.

According to the statement, the attack carried out by KB Vëllaznimi official Jeton Bakalli is described as a serious act of violence, unacceptable in sport and by any institutional standard.

The Federation emphasizes that this act constitutes a serious breach of sporting order and undermines the integrity of the competition.

The KBF has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any form of violence against match officials, underscoring that the safety, dignity and authority of referees are non-negotiable.

The Federation has expressed its full support for the Kosovo Basketball Referees Association and all referees, emphasizing that any attack on them is an attack on basketball in Kosovo itself.

The case will be handled with the utmost seriousness, and strict disciplinary measures are expected against the responsible individuals and entities, in accordance with the regulations in force.

The Federation calls on clubs to take full responsibility for the conduct of their officials, emphasizing that competitions cannot be organized under conditions in which the safety of referees is put at risk.

Finally, the KBF emphasizes that anyone who engages in violence has no place in basketball in Kosovo, and that without safety for referees there can be no orderly competition, sporting justice or championship.