Kosovo ministry warns over conflict of interest in Sigal Prishtina leadership

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MKRS) has responded regarding Bekë Berisha’s election to a leadership position at KB “Sigal Prishtina,” reminding about the legal obligations arising from the Law on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest.

MKRS emphasized that Berisha is an elected member of the Assembly of Kosovo and that after being sworn in, he must take concrete actions to avoid any conflict of interest within the legally mandated deadlines, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to the statement, the ministry announced that it will closely monitor the situation and cooperate with relevant institutions, including the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, in order to preserve integrity in sports and ensure compliance with good governance standards.

As reported by CE Report, MKRS also warned that it will address the Basketball Federation of Kosovo to ensure that the governing bodies of the club comply with legal principles and prevent political influence in sports management.

Full MKRS statement:

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MKRS) has been informed of developments regarding the election of Mr. Bekë Berisha to a leadership position at KB “Sigal Prishtina” during the club assembly held on January 14, 2026.

Considering that Mr. Berisha is an elected member of the Assembly of Kosovo following the December 28, 2025 elections, MKRS reminds all parties of the obligations under Law No. 06/L-011 on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest. The law states that a high-ranking official may be a member of the governing body of NGOs in the field of sports, but may not serve as a manager/authorized representative or a member of any management or supervisory body of private, for-profit legal entities under the relevant commercial law (Articles 13 and 14), and any conflict of interest must be prevented or resolved within 30 days of assuming office (Article 8).

In this context, MKRS calls on all parties to ensure the law is implemented and that Mr. Berisha, after being sworn in and taking office in the new legislature, takes the necessary steps within the legal deadlines to avoid any conflict of interest. MKRS will monitor the situation and cooperate with relevant institutions, including the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, to maintain integrity in sports and uphold good governance standards.

Through its official communication channels, MKRS will request the Basketball Federation, based on the Law on Sports and related sub-legal acts, to ensure that in the case of electing the governing bodies of KB “Sigal Prishtina,” all obligations related to preventing political influence in sports management and maintaining legal sports integrity are respected. Compliance with these norms is a mandatory condition for the lawful exercise of basketball activities and upholding governance principles.