Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the initiator of the conference titled "Sports clubs' financial and organizational problems - how to prevent sports from fading out in BiH", which will be held on December 7th at the hotel Terme, Ilidza. On that occasion FFBIH general secretary Jasmin Bakovic answered some of the questions that come to mind when it comes to sports and current problems.

- Sports in our country face many problems today, however we can point out the financial and organizational issues as most prominent. Why is that?

"There are multiple reasons. First of all, we should have in mind the fact that we live in economically underdeveloped country, burdened by financial problems in all aspects of social life. Therefore, investments in sports are on a sub-par level, far below the real needs. Also, the legal status of sports organizations is debatable. As civic associations, in legal terms, they have the same rights and obligations as other associations of any kind, and such form of organization is inadequate for many. Also, the fact is that many laws concerning the financial liabilities of sports associations are not precise enough and leaves the possibility of a flexible interpretation by authorities. We shouldn't forget that there are also different legal arrangements depending on the entity (Federation or RS). Separate issue is the organization of sports groups, including professional associations and clubs. Many of them don't have the necessary human and financial resources for smooth operations, and in addition there are quite frequent changes in management, which results in lack of continuity which is essential."

- What FFBIH specifically did to help clubs who play in domestic FFBIH-organized competitions?

"First of all, FFBIH has facilitated financial operations for clubs that compete in our first-tier competitions. Clubs have made significant savings through league sponshorships and the lack of registration fees. Furthermore, we've helped Premier League clubs with the implementation of specific infrastructural projects, aimed to create favorable conditions for playing and training. One shouldn't ignore the fact that we, at one point, intervened with the competent tax authorities, which helped certain clubs overcome their problems and avoided possible business discontinuation."

- What can we expect from this conference?

"The conference certainly won't be able to solve all the problems, but it can be the beginning of tackling with many issues and modalities which in turn will provide a more secure status and legal reliefs for sports collectives in the future. As you know, many national teams and successful clubs represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the international competitions, they are our country's sports ambassadors so to speak, and they deserve maximum support and understanding from all relevant institutions and authorities."

- Are there any plans for conferences with similar topics next year?

"FFBIH arranged organization of the first conference of its kind, considering that it's high time for action. It won't end there, we'll keep going, and if we persevere, we're confident that we can achieve good results that will prevent sports clubs from closing. We need the support from the BiH Olympic Committee, as well as support from other sports associations, with whom we share similar problems. We believe the representatives from competent state authorities will express the willingness for dialogue and help us solve the accumulated problems via adequate legal measures."