Božo Anđelić, the middle back of Montenegro’s national handball team, has informed national team selector Vlad Šola that he will no longer participate in the national team while Šola remains in his role. Anđelić expressed his inability to collaborate with someone he believes lacks the authority and character necessary for such a position.

This statement follows Anđelić’s absence from the list announced by Šola for the upcoming EHF week. According to “Vijesti,” he will not don the “lions'” jersey in the future as long as the Croatian expert is at the helm of the national team.

“My intentions are not to abandon Montenegro but rather to exert pressure, as a player, for a positive change in men’s handball,” Anđelić clarified.

We present his full announcement:

“In Montenegro, individuals who contribute the most to the state without seeking rewards constantly find themselves needing to prove their worth to those who only take from it.

I feel obligated to share the following with the Montenegrin public: I have notified the national team selector that I will not play for the Montenegrin national team in the future while he is in that role. I refuse to work with someone who lacks the necessary authority and character for this position. My statement is not a departure from Montenegro; rather, it’s an attempt to apply pressure as a player for a better situation in men’s handball.

Unfortunately, instead of reacting appropriately, the leaders of the Handball Association of Montenegro have remained silent and taken no necessary measures. As it stands, I can no longer work alongside a selector who is minimally engaged in his responsibilities.

It is well known among players that the coach often delegates team tactics and specific actions to the players, reflecting a troubling lack of authority that seems unique to our national team.

For the past decade, the Handball Association of Montenegro has swept player problems under the rug in pursuit of alleged peace, neglecting matters on the sports front. This is primarily done to safeguard their own positions, salaries, per diems, and other benefits.

It’s disheartening when those who seek daily wages or union fees are required to prove themselves to someone who has taken nothing for what is rightfully viewed as their duty—representing our nation with pride. Sadly, in the last decade, issues within Montenegrin handball have compounded rather than been addressed. Instead of resolving these problems, the association tries to shift blame onto the players.

No one from the federation’s management has taken responsibility for the current state of men’s handball, despite the past and present leadership’s efforts over the last ten years to undermine the sport in Montenegro.

I must ask: are players to blame for the decisions of two of the most talented athletes in recent years, Latković and Vujović, opting to play for Slovenia? Are they reflecting on the issues faced by Lipovin, Simović, and now Božović and me? Clearly, the federation shows no concern for such matters; their primary goal remains securing privileges and benefits. The selector should address these issues with the federation’s leaders.

Unfortunately, history repeats itself, with only the roles changing. After our match against Iceland at the European Championship, the federation sought a new coach, yet this initiative halted after our victory against the Serbian national team.

I feel sorrow for our dedicated and loyal fans, with whom we’ve shared wonderful experiences representing our country. It leaves a bitter taste knowing that this generation, full of undeniable talent and potential, has not achieved significant sports results,” Anđelić concluded.

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