Prekazi: Sports and culture are bridges that unite; EURO 2027 will bring Serbs and Albanians closer

Yugoslav sports legend and FK Partizan icon Dzevad Prekazi stated that sports and culture are bridges that unite nations, not divide them. He expressed optimism that the joint organization of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship by Serbia and Albania will bring Serbs and Albanians closer, as well as the peoples of the Western Balkans.
"As far as sports are concerned, this is great news, and it is a good thing. We know that culture, and especially sports, are bridges that unite, not divide," Prekazi said to Kosovo Online.
He noted that there will always be those opposed to the idea of jointly hosting such events, but he believes that everyone will ultimately adhere to UEFA’s decision, as it is driven not only by sports but also by political motives aimed at uniting the peoples of the Western Balkans.
"UEFA, it is well known that they operate politically as well, even though they claim not to, alongside their sporting goals. They aim to bring people together. Let’s not forget that in recent years we have been grouped with Bosnia and Herzegovina, then with Croatia for qualifiers, and then Montenegro, Macedonia... That is how they operate, and it’s a good thing. As far as I’m concerned, it’s great. Sports will benefit," Prekazi emphasized.
According to him, such sporting events involving multiple countries from the region are organizationally challenging, but it is a model where everyone stands to gain.
"Who can lose? I don’t see any reason why anything would be lost. Only benefits can come from it. Because what is most important is that, for many years after the unfortunate war, UEFA and FIFA have been trying, through sports, to bring us together. As we see, politicians are constantly meeting in all kinds of places. We shouldn’t deprive people of anything related to sports and culture," Prekazi stated.
When asked whether this event will bring Serbs and Albanians closer or drive them further apart, the celebrated Yugoslav footballer remained optimistic but also warned that anything contrary to this goal would be an act of defiance against UEFA and FIFA, which could result in not only financial penalties but other consequences.
"Since I’m an optimist, I always think positively and believe it will bring people closer. Because sports truly unite. In sports, we shouldn’t care who someone is, what they are, or where they’re from. That is how it should always be. Let’s not forget that at every international match we watch, there are banners saying ‘fair play’ and ‘no to racism.’ So, I believe, and it should be, a positive outcome because everyone stands to gain something. We shouldn’t close doors to FIFA or UEFA because their measures are drastic, and we all know how strictly they enforce them. It is not just about fines; they can exclude anyone from participating in such events," Prekazi concluded.
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