Kosovo Olympic Committee calls for disciplinary action against Djokovic

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOK) on Wednesday called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take disciplinary action against Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

This came after Djokovic wrote on a message about Kosovo on a camera lens after his first-round win in the French Open. "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," he wrote in his native language.

Accusing Djokovic of stirring up political tensions, Ismet Krasniqi, the head of KOK, said: "As president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, I have an obligation to raise my concerns and kindly ask you to react on behalf of the International Olympic Committee, as these messages and actions are dangerous for the future of sport if unpunished,"

He said the Serbian player's message is "dangerous for the future of sport."

He reminded the Olympic charter, fundamental principle 5, as it calls all sporting organizations under the Olympic Committee shall be politically neutral.

Djokovic addressed the recent violent clashes in Kosovo during the Roland Garros.

The 22-grand slam champion later told the press that this was the least he could have done. “I feel the responsibility as a public figure – doesn’t matter in which field – to give support,” he added.

Tensions have gripped Kosovo, with protesters and security forces clashing in the northern Serb-dominated municipalities over the election of ethnic Albanian mayors.

According to hospital sources, more than 50 civilians were injured from shock bombs and tear gas.

Most UN member states including the US, the UK, France, Germany and Türkiye recognized Kosovo as a separate country after it declared independence from Serbia 15 years ago. Serbia, however, continues to regard it as its territory.