# Bosnia and Herzegovina handball federation crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bosnia-and-herzegovina-handball-federation-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-29T12:12:36.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

The Handball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Rukometni savez BiH) has effectively ceased operations due to a combined legal and financial crisis. The organization lost its legal continuity after the Ministry of Justice rejected decisions from its assembly, citing invalid documentation.

This legal collapse has resulted in the loss of the federation’s official website and the erasure of its player registration database, preventing clubs from registering athletes. Additionally, the federation faces significant tax debts dating back to 2015 and has been unable to pay its head coach, Damir Doborac, for 19 months. The situation threatens the upcoming season and the national team’s preparation for European qualifiers.

## Claims

- Aleksandar Lazić left the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team preparations due to alleged pressure from Milorad Dodik. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Lazić was allegedly threatened with the loss of his engagement at Igokea if he remained with the national team. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Assistant coach Zoran Petković also left the national team. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The incident followed messages glorifying the death of Ratko Mladić during a match in Tuzla. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Bosnia and Herzegovina basketball team faces crisis before Lithuania match

The Bosnia and Herzegovina basketball team faces political pressure and logistical issues, including player departures and detained equipment, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aleksandar-lazi-leaves-bosnia-and-herzegovina-national-team

### 2026-07-31: Bosnia and Herzegovina Handball Federation Collapses Amid Legal and Financial Crisis

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s handball federation is non‑functional: website offline, player database erased, legal decisions invalidated, large tax debts and an unpaid coach threaten the season and national team.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-handball-federation-collapses-amid-legal-and-financial-crisis

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Cite as: Bosnia and Herzegovina handball federation crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bosnia-and-herzegovina-handball-federation-crisis