The world of handball has been hit by a major shock after the arrest of Predrag Bošković, First Vice‑President of the European Handball Federation (EHF) and a member of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Council. Bošković, also a former Montenegrin government minister, was detained in Podgorica on allegations of involvement in a criminal organization targeting political opponents, according to several media outlets.
The arrest has sent ripples through both Montenegrin politics and the international handball community, raising serious questions about governance and accountability.
At 53, Bošković has wielded significant influence in both politics and sport. Prosecutors claim he was part of a group aiming to undermine political rivals, though details of the investigation are still emerging. Opposition parties decry the arrest as politically motivated, while supporters of the ruling party argue it is a long-overdue action against impunity. For handball, however, the stakes are immediate: with the IHF congress in Cairo just months away, where the presidency will be decided, Bošković’s legal troubles could reshape alliances and election dynamics within the sport.
The implications go beyond politics. European handball faces a credibility test, as federations, clubs, and fans grapple with a senior official facing serious criminal allegations. Questions about transparency, integrity, and leadership now loom large. Federations may be pressured to respond, and the outcome could influence how the sport is governed for years to come.
As the legal case unfolds, the handball world will be watching closely, aware that the arrest of one of its top figures could mark a turning point for accountability and reform in both Montenegrin politics and international sport.
Read more: Montenegrin Opposition Official Arrested for Involvement in Crime Group
Read more: First Vice-President of the European Handball Federation arrested