Kosovo’s flag was reportedly displayed with seven stars during the presentation of the country at the World Carp Fishing Championship in North Macedonia, prompting criticism over the handling of Kosovo’s national symbols.
The incident occurred during the 26th FIPSed World Carp Fishing Championship, which is being held at Lake Mavrovo from September 2 to 5, 2026, with Kosovo among the participating countries. The event has brought together teams from more than 30 countries.
According to Gazeta Express, Kosovo’s flag was shown during the country’s presentation with seven stars instead of the six stars featured on the official flag of the Republic of Kosovo.
Kosovo’s national flag, adopted in 2008, features a golden map of Kosovo beneath an arc of six white stars.
The reported display has triggered criticism in Kosovo, with the incident being described as another example of what critics view as inappropriate treatment of Kosovo and its national symbols in North Macedonia.
The championship is being hosted at Lake Mavrovo, with the event organized under the international sport-fishing federation FIPSed. North Macedonia has been preparing for the competition as a major international sporting event, with local authorities highlighting its importance for the region’s tourism and international profile.
The controversy also comes against the backdrop of North Macedonia’s domestic political landscape. The country is governed by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and his VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition, which includes the Albanian VLEN coalition as a key partner.
The reported flag error has nevertheless drawn attention beyond the sporting event, given the sensitivity surrounding Kosovo’s symbols and its relations with neighboring states.
