Major audit of Zagreb sports reveals financial issues; taekwondo, karate, boxers among those to repay funds

A comprehensive audit of sports organizations in Zagreb has uncovered substantial financial mismanagement, leading to demands for the repayment of public funds. The report, covering the period from 2021 to April 2026, details irregularities found in federations, clubs, and institutions financed by the city's budget.

The Croatian Ski Association is at the center of the largest individual financial finding, with auditors determining that the association failed to provide documentation justifying the use of €143,246 allocated in 2022. Consequently, the association has been asked to return these funds, making it the most significant single finding in the entire report.

This extensive review follows a major scandal involving the Croatian Ski Association, which raised questions about the oversight of public money in sports. The current report, requested by city assembly representatives, highlights a pattern of non-compliance across several sports bodies.

Among those found with irregularities are the Zagreb Taekwondo Association, which must repay €4,001.72 for funds not proven to be used for their intended purpose in 2021. Similarly, the Zagreb Karate Association returned €2,443.36 the previous year for failing to justify expenditures. The Zagreb Boxing Association also returned €5,658.25 for non-earmarked spending on elite sports.

Other organizations facing scrutiny include the Kajak Kanu Club Zagreb, where auditors could not confirm the proper use of nearly €39,630 allocated for facility maintenance and equipment. HAOK Mladost also faces questions regarding €10,616.23 in athlete nutrition costs that could not be verified.