ABA League faces delays amid referee contract dispute

The ABA League season faces significant delays due to an ongoing dispute between league management and a group of 63 referees. The conflict centers on demands for improved financial conditions, legal security, and professional status. Referees, represented by lawyer Danijel Papak, have sought increased compensation, including approximately 1,200 euros per game, alongside better health insurance and injury coverage.

Recent high-level meetings involving league officials such as Ostoja Mijailović, Dragan Bokan, and Davor Užbinec have failed to reach a definitive agreement. While the league offered a pay increase within budget constraints, referees were given a deadline to respond in writing to the proposal. The dispute has already forced the postponement of the first round of the competition.

Attempts by the league to fill the vacancy through a public call for new referees have seen mixed results, with some candidates withdrawing after receiving communications regarding the dispute. The future of the regional competition remains uncertain as the league awaits the referees' formal response to the current offer.