FFBIH would like to make a statement regarding FTV television article broadcast on Jan. 26th regarding SIPA (State Investigation and Protection Agency) and BIH prosecutor office's alleged criminal investigation regarding FFBIH's expenses during 2014 Brazil World Cup.

It's true that SIPA and other state authorities began investigation, after several charges were filed against FFBIH by suspended executive board member Amer Halep and few other unknown parties (anonymously). FFBIH was requested to deliver information and documents regarding those charges, but there were absolutely no forced entries of any kind.

There was simply no reason for SIPA to barge in FFBIH offices because the financial data and Brazil expenditures were always transparent, and these informations were discussed numerous times during official meetings. Final reports on 2014 World Cup and financial standings were unanimously adopted at the ExCo assemblies on September 2nd 2014 and October 8th 2014 respectively.

FFBIH once again states that every step was done according to the rules and procedures. After Bosnia and Herzegovina's national football team earned its place at the World Cup, intensive preparations have begun. FIFA bore the costs for 50 people which were part of FFBIH delegation (players, staff, administrative personnel) during their stay in Guaruja.

Being at the World Cup for the first time, FFBIH took the opportunity to consult several other national football associations (Germany, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and few others). After these consultations, and according to FIFA's rules and standards, we realised at least another 50-60 people were allowed to go: sports staff, various FFBIH members and associates, sponsors, politicians and public figures.

Having everything in mind, FFBIH executive board decided that costs for the rest of the staff and delegation will be paid from FFBIH budget, and the final list of passengers was made: executive board members (15), mediation and counseling board members (4), regional football federations representatives (3), sponsors (5), prominent public figures (3). Another 30 reservations have been made via Centrotours travel agency in March of 2014.

Because of the catastrophic floods, health issues, and/or private reasons, many guests cancelled their trips. Considering the travel arrangements were paid for in advance, without the possibility of refunds, FFBIH emergency committee authorised president Begic and general secretary Bakovic to make appropriate changes to the final passenger list. In the end, the changes included 9 executive board members, one mediation board member, regional general secretaries, NSFBIH vice president, 5 sponsor representatives, 11 FFBIH and regional football federations' representatives, and one representative from the ministry of civil affairs. This cleary shows that only those people who were directly involved with FFBIH in some way traveled to Brazil.

Payment was made to the official travel agency Centrotours, which can be verified from invoices stored in FFBIH economic sector. Invoices contain the names of all passengers, and their expenses covered by FFBIH. Travel arrangements and financial transactions were carried out transparently and according to law and FIFA's regulations. Another proof of that is Theodor Theodoridis' (UEFA national associations director) speech from Sept. 2nd 2014, where he complimented FFBIH's work, organization, rational expenditures and income from the World Cup.

It's true SIPA earlier asked for some FFBIH financial operations documents, but they got them without any problems. It's also true that before FFBIH's well known suspension, some of its highly ranked members were prosecuted and sentenced, however they are no longer part of FFBIH. It's inappropriate to associate their actions with current FFBIH management, because current FFBIH administration has become the prime example of successful establishment without any debts towards the state and its partners. This institution successfully pursues its mission through transparent goals and tasks, and through proper implementation of numerous FIFA and UEFA projects, as confirmed by their immense trust and support.