Anti-Albanian Chants During North Macedonia–Romania Basketball Game

 The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has launched an official investigation into a series of anti-Albanian chants that erupted during a basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania over the weekend. The incident, which took place during a pre-qualifying match for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, has drawn sharp criticism and raised serious concerns over racism and hate speech in sports.

Speaking to Radio Free Europe (RFE) on Monday, FIBA confirmed it had opened a probe into the events. "At this stage, we are collecting relevant reports and statements, working in close cooperation with the national federations involved, as well as local authorities and law enforcement," the organization said.

According to ethnic Albanian politicians in North Macedonia, the crowd at the game chanted disturbing slogans including "The only good Albanian is a dead Albanian," "Gas chambers for Albanians," and "Clean Macedonia." These racist and xenophobic outbursts have sparked outrage among the Albanian community and beyond.

FIBA condemned the hate speech in the strongest possible terms. "We unreservedly and firmly condemn hate speech and any form of discrimination or racist language," the federation said. "We actively promote the creation of an inclusive and respectful environment for all players, teams, and fans, as a top priority in sport."

High-ranking officials from the Government of North Macedonia — where Albanians make up nearly one-quarter of the country’s 1.8 million population — were reportedly present in the arena during the match.

The incident has reignited broader debates about ethnic tensions in North Macedonia and the role of state institutions in ensuring safe and inclusive public events. It remains to be seen what disciplinary actions FIBA will impose once the investigation concludes.

North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, also responded to the controversy, stating that the Macedonian people were ashamed of the fascist chants directed at Albanians by fans during the game in the city of Kumanovo.

“Because of our sporting illiteracy — which unfortunately happens for who knows how many times now — the reactions to the horrific incident during the basketball game in Kumanovo are more than justified,” she wrote on Facebook. “A few irresponsible fans fired bullets of hate at our fellow Albanian citizens — but in fact, they hit all of us, including themselves. Once again, we are ashamed.”

Siljanovska Davkova emphasized that North Macedonia will no longer allow sports arenas to become "gladiator fan arenas." According to her, the first lesson in how to cheer should begin at home, followed by schools. She added that the state must confront this hatred and teach fans how to cheer properly. “North Macedonia needs an alphabet of cheering as a form of sports enjoyment,” she said.

Slogans like "Clean Macedonia," "The only good Albanian is a dead Albanian," and "Gas chamber for Albanians" — all reminiscent of Nazi extermination rhetoric — were shouted by local fans in the presence of the Prime Minister and other senior state officials.

Meanwhile, the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Kumanovo has launched an investigation into the incident, examining whether elements of a potential criminal offense related to hate speech are present.