The capital city is committed to doing everything possible to support the Buducnost Women’s Handball Club through its toughest time in history. This was stated by Luka Rakčević, the deputy mayor of Podgorica, via social media.

Following the abrupt withdrawal of its main sponsor, the company Bemax, ŽRK Budućnost is in a challenging situation, which director Maja Bulatović described as dire just days ago. The club currently lacks financial resources and a clear future, with assistance from the Capital City seen as the only viable option.

The capital is prepared to assist the club in weathering this challenging period, Rakčević indicated, noting that he is scheduled to meet with Mayor Olivera Injac today. This meeting is expected to provide some clarity on the situation.

“I regret that the previous sponsor opted to leave the club in such a destructive manner, creating immense financial difficulties, which raise serious concerns about the club’s basic operations and its participation in the Champions League, even with the city’s support. While every sponsor has the prerogative to withdraw, we could have had discussions months in advance to devise a strategy to prevent the club from becoming collateral damage in this transition,” Rakčević commented and added:

“Nevertheless, we must deal with the current reality, and the city will do everything within its means to ensure that ŽRK endures this critical period. We owe that to the club, its citizens, and its loyal supporters. In the upcoming days, we will initiate formal processes and discussions with the club’s owners, keeping the public informed regarding the status, potential options, and plans moving forward. We are hopeful for a positive outcome,” stated Rakčević.

Who will represent the club’s ownership in these discussions about the future of Montenegro’s most decorated sports team, a two-time European champion? According to the Sports Law, the founders of the club are its owners, which in Budućnost’s case include Marijana Maja Bulatović, Tatjana Jeraminok, Dragoslavka Pođanin, Savo Laković, and Srđan Markoč. It is now their responsibility to find a way for the club to survive, albeit with the limited resources that may not even suffice for participation in the Champions League.

It is highly likely that the players recently announced as new signings will not remain in Podgorica. Questions remain regarding the younger players and whether coach Bojana Popović might entertain offers she has received from abroad under these circumstances.

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