FIBA has launched an investigation into anti-Albanian chants heard during the North Macedonia–Romania basketball game held over the weekend in Kumanova.

“We are collecting relevant reports and statements and working closely with the national federations, local authorities, and law enforcement,” FIBA told Radio Free Europe.

Ethnic Albanian politicians in North Macedonia said fans chanted slogans such as “A good Albanian is a dead Albanian,” “Gas chambers for Albanians,” and “Clean Macedonia.”

FIBA condemned the chants. “We firmly oppose hate speech, racism, and any form of discrimination. We actively promote a respectful and inclusive environment for players, teams, and fans,” it said.

Senior government officials were present at the match. Albanians make up nearly one-fourth of North Macedonia’s population of 1.8 million.

The incident drew sharp reactions in both Kosova and Albania.

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, condemned the chants as “nationalist and xenophobic”. He said he was present but had not heard them and claimed they came from “a small group of individuals.”

“I join the call to reject nationalism and xenophobia. Fans should support their teams fairly and with sportsmanship,” he said.

The opposition party Democratic Union for Integration described the chants as racist and called the language “pure ethnic hate.”

Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski said the chants came from the crowd, not a sports body, and therefore the ministry could not take direct action. Still, he appealed for restraint. “There is no place for such slogans, from any side,” he said.

North Macedonia’s Criminal Code penalises hate speech and racism. Article 319 foresees prison terms of one to five years for inciting hatred or intolerance based on ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality.

Kosova’s President, Vjosa Osmani, said the chants were unacceptable and harmed the spirit of coexistence. “Albanians are native to their lands and deserve dignity and equality like every other community,” she said.

The Olympic Committee of Kosova also condemned the chants. It said the incident violated core Olympic values such as respect, equality, and solidarity. In a statement on Facebook, the committee urged authorities to take concrete action.

Albania’s Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, also reacted. “Hate speech that incites violence, ethnic conflict, or racism has no place in public discourse, especially in sport, which should promote unity, fair play, and mutual respect,” she said.

/a.p./