Kosovo update

UEFA’s executive committee will discuss Kosovo’s application to play international friendlies at a meeting between January 25-25.

Earlier this year, FIFA’s own ExCo rejected yet another application from the Football Federation of Kosovo to play international friendlies, leaving the FFK in international limbo as the country has not yet secured the official recognition from the United Nations that is needed to secure membership of the world body.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has since written to the president of the FFK, Fadil Vokrri, to explain that Kosovo’s attempt to play international friendlies would be discussed at the world body’s meeting in Tokyo last week.

Although a decision was again deferred by FIFA in Tokyo, Blatter has now asked UEFA to consider the application.

The FFK needs to join the European body before then going on to try for FIFA membership but UEFA president Michel Platini has consistently stated that only when Kosovo secures UN recognition will membership be allowed.