April 2 – Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto, who is on his country’s international list, has refused to officiate matches in the Bosnia and Herzegovina league following threats against him and his family.
In particular, Bosnia’s leading referee does not want to officiate matches between Sarajevo teams FK Sarajevo and FK Željezničar.
“NS/FS BiH today received a letter from football referee Irfan Peljto, an international with a FIFA badge, in which he officially informs us that due to threats addressed to him and his family, he is unable to perform the function of an official in the upcoming matches of the WWiN League of Bosnia and Herzegovina played by the clubs from Sarajevo,” said the national association.
“The Football/Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemns any form of pressure on officials who are active participants in competitions in our country, and expresses deep concern over such phenomena, which have become frequent in recent times.
“We hereby invite the competent authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent such cases in our social community, and to prosecute all responsible persons and stand in the protection of our best football referee, as well as all officials in NS/FS BiH competitions.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1734999075labto1734999075ofdlr1734999075owedi1734999075sni@o1734999075fni1734999075