By Andrew Warshaw
April 10 – Despite continuing consternation by Serbia, Kosovo has broken yet new ground by arranging two more friendlies as it takes advantage of its new found status approved by FIFA.
Last month, Kosovo played its first senior international since declaring independence from Serbia six years ago, a 0-0 draw with Haiti in front of 17,000 fans in Mitrovica.
Kosovo is not recognised by Serbia and is not a member of FIFA or the United Nations but is supported by about 100 countries and earlier this year FIFA finally cleared the national team and clubs to play non-competitive matches, with certain conditions, after a lengthy battle for recognition.
Now INSIDEworldfootball has learned that the KFF recently announced two follow-up fixtures, against Turkey at home on May 21 at an as yet undecided venue and on neutral ground in Geneva against Senegal four days later.
The two friendlies represent another indication of Kosovo’s gradual acceptance into the international football family.
Whilst there is a long way to go before they become fully-fledged members of either FIFA or UEFA – the latter adopting a far more cautious approach than the former – their ultimate objective is to play World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.
Turkey and Senegal will provide far stiffer opposition than Haiti, just the kind of test Kosovan football needs as it builds towards greater recognition. But exactly what the Serbs will make of this is another question.
Serbia’s football authorities this week gave the biggest hint to date that they will challenge the breakaway territory’s sudden partial emergence on the world footballing stage. Belgrade still lays formal claim to Kosovo and the Serbian FA have made it clear they are opposed to FIFA’s stance even though they were apparently involved in the original highly sensitive talks over Kosovan football’s future.
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