Bosnia minister defends “lilies flag” after reported FIFA ban request

The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić, has responded to statements made by HSS leader Mario Karamatić, following reports that a request was submitted to FIFA to ban the display of the “lilies flag” at stadiums.

Hurtić stated that the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina with lilies is a legal symbol that represents the country’s historical identity and continuity, and therefore cannot be subject to arbitrary political interpretations, CE Report informs via the country's Ministry of Communications and Transport.

Commenting on claims in the letter sent to FIFA, which described the symbol as “politically and historically burdened” and not an official state symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hurtić said such arguments attempt to reduce the country’s historical identity to a narrow political interpretation, which he considers unacceptable.

He added that various historical and regional symbols are used without issue in international sports.

“I will remind you that FC Schalke has celebrated successes in a sporting context with the flags of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including moments of promotion and celebration in German football. If that is a problem, then those who are raising the noise today should have the courage to report Schalke as well, instead of selectively targeting only Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Hurtić said.

According to him, invoking disciplinary provisions and bans on “political symbols” represents an attempt to restrict the identity and expression of a people and a state, which he said is neither in the spirit of sport nor in line with the values that international sports organizations should uphold.

“Therefore, I want to be clear: Bosnia and Herzegovina has the right to its symbols, its history, and its identity. The flag with lilies is not a threat; it is part of our heritage. Any attempt to ban it is a political act, not a sporting one. If someone believes there are grounds for action before international institutions, the door is open to everyone. But the rules must apply equally to all, without selective treatment and without attempts to treat Bosnia and Herzegovina differently from others. Bosnia and Herzegovina will not give up its symbols,” Hurtić stated, according to his office.

Photo: Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina