Supporters of the Serbian national football team from Podgorica had an enjoyable experience during the European Championship in Germany, largely due to the backing of the local company “Putevi,” which contributed 500 euros to fuel their enthusiasm.

Documents obtained by “Vijesti” reveal that fans from Podgorica traveled to Germany to back their neighbors’ national team, but they found themselves short of funds after the opening match.

In a handwritten appeal dated June 18th of last year, the fans reached out to company CEO Radoš Zečević, requesting assistance “to cheer on the Serbian national team.”

“The fans from Podgorica currently in Germany lack the financial means to attend the remaining two matches, and we kindly ask for your support, considering there are more than 20 of us who need this money for accommodation and sustenance,” the request specified.

The match schedule for last year’s championship indicates that the neighboring team faced England on June 16th, followed by matches against Slovenia on June 20th and Denmark on June 25th.

On the day of the match against Slovenia, Zečević decided to grant financial aid to the Podgorica fans, ensuring they could remain in Germany.

“The fans’ club supporting the Serbian national team is approved to receive 500 euros as part of their trip to the European Football Championship taking place in Germany… They submitted a sponsorship request number 6.677 on June 18, 2024, aiming to cover their accommodation costs during the championship. This decision is effective upon adoption, with oversight from the Economic, Financial, and Commercial Affairs Department,” states the document.

The company declined to clarify to “Vijesti” why they provided support specifically to the Podgorica fans and whether a similar gesture would have been extended to supporters of foreign teams and clubs.

In a decision dated June 20th of last year, “Putevi” allocated financial assistance to the fan group, referencing Article 32 of the company’s Statute.

Article 32 outlines that the executive director manages company operations and decides on the use of financial resources.

Employee Payments Reimbursed

The company opted not to respond to inquiries regarding employee SM, who, according to records, repeatedly covered “Putevi” expenses directly out of pocket, subsequently receiving reimbursement.

Allegedly, SM financed the technical inspection, registration, and insurance for a “Putevi” van from personal funds and also retained towing services for routine buses.

At the beginning of last year, he reportedly withdrew 731 euros from his personal account to cover expenses totaling nearly 450 euros for the technical inspection, registration, and insurance.

“The costs included 224 euros for passenger insurance, 48 euros for analog tachograph calibration, and 10 euros for vehicle certification. Upon payment, we received a vehicle health certificate plus temporary policies, which were later updated to a permanent one-year policy on January 3… This was my choice, and I stand by it, believing it was the right decision. The van is now operational, with the bus having been withdrawn due to recurring issues on that line,” his reimbursement request detailed.

According to the available records, the employee sought 2,115 euros for 45 Wi-Fi modem chips and 100 batteries.

“This also included 50 chargers, antennas for validators, and 100 jacks,” the document states.

Documentation accessible to “Vijesti” shows that “Putevi” reimbursed nearly 1,000 euros to this employee for towing vehicles.

“Due to unexpected breakdowns, the buses became inoperative. Despite various attempts, towing services were unwilling to respond without upfront cash payments. Appointments were made on weekends after 22:30. To avoid leaving vehicles stranded, I took the initiative and paid for towing services in cash,” SM claimed in his compensation request submitted on March 1 last year.

Nearly 8.4 Million Euros Spent

According to the mayor’s report for 2024 regarding the work of the mayor, administrative bodies, and special services of the Capital City, “Putevi” expended almost 8.4 million euros last year. Significant projects included the reconstruction of municipal roads and streets in the capital, totaling over 7.4 million euros.

“This represents a 24 percent increase over planned expenditures. Additionally, ongoing maintenance of public infrastructure amounted to 250,000 euros… During 2024, 28 train lines operated in the capital, supported by a fleet of 50 buses and 14 vans. The ticket sale revenue reached 2,318,195 euros, with 1,986,389 daily tickets amounting to 1,787,750 euros sold,” according to the report.

The mayor’s report detailed that “Putevi” invested 500,000 euros toward the acquisition of new construction machinery.

“An investment of 455,265 euros came from internal funds for the purchase of trucks, vans, buses, other equipment, and computers. Moreover, the State Property Administration provided several passenger vehicles, including Toyota Auris, Skoda Fabia, and VW Tuareg models.”

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