Serbia denies Svetislav Pešić’s departure despite early EuroBasket 2025 elimination

In a statement, the Serbian Basketball Federation (KSS) denies rumors of Svetislav Pešić’s dismissal. The experienced coach has a contract until September 30, 2025, and discussions will take place in the coming days to analyze the disappointing results of EuroBasket 2025.

The surprising elimination of Serbia in the round of 16 of EuroBasket 2025 against Finland created shockwaves. The national team, considered one of the tournament’s major favorites, failed to meet expectations, immediately sparking speculation about Svetislav Pešić’s future.

Pešić under contract until September 2025

Upon returning to Belgrade, the head coach clearly expressed his desire to continue: he had no intention of resigning. Despite this statement, several Serbian media quickly suggested an imminent separation between the experienced coach and the Federation.

The Serbian Basketball Federation (KSS) quickly responded to cut short the rumors. In an official statement, they clarify: « The Serbian Basketball Federation informs the public that information appearing in some media regarding the dismissal of Svetislav Pešić from the position of head coach of the Serbian men’s national team is false. Svetislav Pešić has a contract with the Federation until September 30, 2025. »

The Dušan Alimpijević rumor

The KSS announces that discussions will take place soon to review this disappointing European campaign. « In the coming days, the Federation’s leadership will hold discussions with the head coach, analyze the European championship results, and make decisions in the best interest of Serbian basketball and the national team. »

The Federation also recalls Pešić’s recent successes, who « led the national team to its last two gold medals, brought Serbia to the podium in the last two tournaments, and restored the national team’s status and supporters’ confidence. » After the round of 16 elimination against Italy at EuroBasket 2022, the coach managed to bounce back by leading Serbia to the 2023 World Cup final and Olympic bronze in Paris 2024.

The Federation concludes by calling on media to verify their information with official sources before publication to avoid misinformation that could harm Serbian basketball. Media outlet Sport Klub has already suggested Dušan Alimpijević as an option to succeed Pešić (76 years old). The former Bursaspor coach (2022 EuroCup finalist) has been coaching Besiktas Istanbul since 2023.

Evo šta se događa u Sazonovoj 83 ovih dana…

Sport klub saznaje: Dušan Alimpijević dobio poziv iz KSS

Opširnije: https://t.co/Elacx7WkY1#eurobasket2025 #kss #čović #covic #orlovi #pešić #pesic #alimpijević #alimpijevic #besiktas pic.twitter.com/hKSmCT0VdV

— Sport Klub (@sportklub) September 8, 2025