April 6 – The Serbian government has given the country’s two biggest clubs – Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade – financial aid of €2.5 million each. The financial assistance was granted following a request from the Serbian Football Federation (FSS).
Last month, former Red Star player Dragan Dzajic, said to be close to the Serbian government, was elected president of the Serbian FA.
The FSS asked the state for financial help despite FSS secretary general Jovan Šurbatović, saying that the federation’s budget has never been bigger. Every year, the Serbian Football Federation allocates €570,000 to each club in Serbia’s top tier.
Funding from the state is vital for Partizan which is in the depths of a major financial crisis. The club had until March 31 to cover its debts to its creditors in order to be licensed for next season – the €2.5 million sum covers this with Partizan being the first club to receive the money.
This is the second consecutive year the club has been financially supported by the state. Last season Partizan had the same financial problems and faced the threat of losing its professional license and missing European club competition.
A few days after Partizan received the funds, their Belgrade rival Red Star was granted the same amount, although the club currently has no financial problems. Recently Red Star paid off its €13 million tax debt to the state in full.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at moc.l1734841144labto1734841144ofdlr1734841144owedi1734841144sni@o1734841144fni1734841144