FK Željezničar has announced: Prelec has not taken over the team, on Monday the election of the new management

The situation at FK Željezničar has reached a critical juncture as the club finds itself without its strategic partner and potential largest investor, Sanin Mirvić, who has now resigned from his position as chairman of the Executive Board. Mirvić had initially been appointed as a strategic partner of the club in December of this year, with the expectation that he would become the biggest financial backer of the team. However, the implementation of this plan encountered numerous administrative obstacles, leading him to withdraw from the project entirely.

After the Federal Ministry of Justice rejected the request to register amendments to the club's statute in the association registry, Mirvić temporarily took on the role of chairman of the Executive Board. Despite this move, the solution did not prove successful, prompting him to step down. The new statute proposed by Mirvić was intended to protect both himself and the funds he might eventually invest, but since it was not adopted at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a transitional solution was sought through the role of chairman of the Executive Board.

Minister of Justice Vedran Škobić recently explained that the change in the club’s statute was “a clear attempt at privatizing a club registered as a citizens' association.” He emphasized that the club cannot be treated as a joint-stock company where ownership can be acquired through investment, loan, donation, or sponsorship, thereby securing long-term management control. This stance has raised concerns among fans, who have noted that despite poor results in the previous season, the club remained one of the most followed and popular in the country. Fans are increasingly worried about the future, especially given the growing uncertainty surrounding the club's stability.

In recent days, the club announced the appointment of a new coach, Ivan Prelec, but there is a strong possibility that he, along with the new sports director Marko Marić and the coaching staff, will also leave Grbavica. The reason for this potential departure lies in the guarantees they requested. While Prelec conducted due diligence and was promised enhanced resources, these promises are now under serious question, particularly regarding their higher salaries, which are currently unaffordable.

Marić, Prelec, and their team sought assurances from Mirvić that outstanding wages for players and other employees would be paid, with nothing being asked for themselves. According to reports from Klix.ba, this arrangement was not fulfilled, contributing to the current crisis. Additionally, attempts to finance the new project through credit were unsuccessful, leading Mirvić to decide against continuing in his role as chairman of the club.

It is important to note that Mirvić had the option of providing a loan to the club, similar to how a bank would operate, even though the club's statute was not yet amended. However, he chose not to proceed with this approach. When the need arose to extract funds through a loan, he decided to resign from the club. The entire business idea was based on such a loan, which had been discussed since January upon his initial arrival at the club. According to information obtained by Klix.ba, Mirvić never considered investing his own money into the club.

Meanwhile, the club has managed to secure eight new players, who are expected to sign contracts within the next few days and strengthen the squad of the Blues, which has experienced several departures. However, the signatures of these players are now also under scrutiny. The American investor, having resigned, expressed his willingness to help the club in some other form or capacity, although it remains uncertain whether fans of the Blues will place their trust in him again.

A crucial meeting of the Club Assembly has been scheduled for July 6th, during which delegates will review the current situation in the club with the aim of electing a new leadership if all necessary conditions are met. From the moment Mirvić submitted his resignation, the delegation and the board of the assembly have been working intensively to find the best possible solution for the club. The outcome of this meeting could significantly shape the future direction of FK Željezničar.