Croatian Sports Federations: Handball Leads in State Funding Amidst Olympic Committee Power Struggle

The Croatian Handball Federation has consistently received the largest share of state funding among national sports federations, a trend that has intensified in recent years. In 2021, the federation received 1.298 million euros, which surged to 7.804 million euros last year, marking a nominal increase of 6.5 million euros. This substantial financial flow has become a focal point of contention, particularly as a contest for the presidency of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) looms.

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The most money all these years has gone to those who complain the most. By far, the Croatian Handball Federation received the most.

The significant sums allocated to sports federations have fueled a fierce battle for leadership within the HOO, with money being a primary driver. The dissatisfaction among team sports federations, excluding football, regarding the public funds they receive has been a long-standing issue. This discontent led to initiatives like the "Opatija Initiative" in 2017, which proposed a decentralized funding model involving TV rights, betting revenue, tourist taxes, and tax incentives for sponsors.

Despite these proposals, little has been fully realized, prompting national team sports federations to unite and approach the HOO collectively. The pursuit of funds has been so intense that it reportedly led to the resignation of long-time HOO president Zlatko Mateša, who had previously expressed fear of naming individuals involved in the disputes. A report obtained by Večernji list details the allocation of public funds to national sports federations from 2021 to 2025, as requested by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

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Water polo received more than HRS in just one year, the Olympic year 2021, when the Barracudas competed in the Olympic Games, and the handball players did not qualify.

The Croatian Water Polo Federation is the second-highest recipient, having received over the Handball Federation in 2021 when its athletes competed in the Olympics. Last year, water polo was allocated 6.1 million euros. The Croatian Basketball Federation ranks third, with planned revenues of 5 million euros for last year, a significant increase from 1.057 million euros in 2021. Notably, the Croatian Football Federation, often perceived as self-sufficient, is only the fourth-largest recipient and appears to be the least vocal in its complaints.

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Football is not complaining because it is self-sufficient.