By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Kosovan football authorities have reacted with cautious optimism to FIFA’s decision to postpone a decision on whether the Balkan province can play international friendlies.
FIFA’s Executive Committee this week stopped short of giving Kosovo the green light to play against established FIFA members despite having approved the idea in principle in May.
The proposal will now be discussed again at the end of September.
FIFA has seemingly backtracked after Serbia raised fierce objections and UEFA made it clear they could not allow their statutes, which require member countries to have United Nations (UN) recognition, from being in any way compromised.
But Fadil Vokrri (pictured above), President of the Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) says the fact the idea is being discussed at all bodes well for the future.
He told the Kosovan newspaper Sport: “It’s positive that they have discussed Kosovo football and this tells us that in every FIFA meeting, Kosovo is on their agenda.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734831369labto1734831369ofdlr1734831369owedi1734831369sni@w1734831369ahsra1734831369w.wer1734831369dna1734831369
Related stories
July 2012: FIFA postpones Kosovo decision
June 2012: Exclusive – UEFA “hopping mad” at FIFA’s decision to allow Kosovo partial informal status
June 2012: Despite initial FIFA support, Kosovo remain in world football limbo
May 2012: Serbia warns of “far reaching consequences” after Kosovo is recognised by FIFA
May 2012: Exclusive – Kosovo to “reflect” on first opponents, says Federation President