Kadić: I did not want to give legitimacy to an illegal competition

The Basketball Federation of Montenegro clearly stated in today's statement that Dragan Bokan is the only candidate for president before the assembly session on July 22nd, to which Dragan Kadić reacted, calling himself "the only candidate who timely and legally submitted an application for president of the KSCG."

We are reporting Kadić's reaction in full:

"I inform the sports and wider public that the Basketball Association of Montenegro (KSCG) has grossly violated the Association's Statute and the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, by announcing that at the next session of the Assembly, a vote will be held exclusively on the candidacy of Dragan Bokan, despite the fact that:

- At the time of the announcement of the new, illegal competition, there was no legal basis for its announcement, because the previous competition had not been concluded, and my candidacy since June 19th was never rejected or declared invalid by the competent bodies of the Federation;

- I did not apply for that new, illegal competition, because that would give legitimacy to that procedure and at the same time create a legal basis for applying for new candidates, which would further relativize the legality of my original candidacy. I remain consistent with the law, the spirit of sportsmanship and the integrity of the Federation;

- I consciously refused to apply for a new, illegal competition because it would legitimize a procedure that is clearly contrary to the Statute, and enable others to enter the electoral race without a legal basis. This would represent a direct attack on the legality and value of my original candidacy, which was submitted on time and in accordance with all the rules. I will not participate in farces that undermine the legal order of the League;

The announcement by the KSCG that the Assembly will decide on the "sole candidate" Dragan Bokan, while my legally registered candidacy is being kept quiet, represents a serious violation of democratic and sporting principles, a gross violation of the Federation Statute and an attempt at institutional manipulation of the electoral process.

This behavior of the Serbian Football Federation undermines the legitimacy of the Assembly and trust in the Federation and has opened the way for legal proceedings before state authorities and sports institutions.

"I call on all members of the Assembly, sports workers, clubs and the public to recognize the seriousness of the moment and stand in defense of the legality, transparency and dignity of Montenegrin basketball. I remain firmly on the side of the law, sports values and institutional integrity," Kadić said.