Football in Kosovo

Football in Kosovo is governed by the Football Federation of Kosovo, which was created in 1946, as a branch of the Yugoslav Football Association. Only FK Priština, now better known in its Albanian language form KF Prishtina, played normally in the Yugoslav First League.

The Kosovar Superliga is the top division of football in Kosovo. The division was set up in 1945.

In 2008 Kosovo[a] declared independence from Serbia. Thus far, membership in UEFA and FIFA has been denied due to Kosovo's disputed recognition as an independent state. However, Kosovo is also not a member of the NF Board, which represents non-FIFA territories, including unrepresented cultural groups and unrecognized states.

Kosovar footballers

There are several ethnic Kosovar Albanians who have played, or are currently playing, football for other national teams.[1][2] Lorik Cana, who plays for the Italian side Lazio, represents Albania. Valon Behrami is a Kosovo born Swiss international who plays for Napoli. Shefki Kuqi, who last played for Premier League side Newcastle United, is a naturalized citizen of Finland. Xhevat Prekazi, best known for his career with Turkish side Galatasaray S.K., is naturalized as a citizen of Turkey, and today lives in Serbia. Xherdan Shaqiri is an ethnic Kosovar that plays for the Swiss national team and Bundesliga side F.C. Bayern München.Granit Xhaka is born in Gnjilane, Kosovo and plays for the Swiss national team and Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Most famous Kosovar player in women's soccer is German international Fatmire Bajramaj, which plays for German side 1.FFC Frankfurt.

Notes

a. ^ Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo. The latter declared independence on 17 February 2008, but Serbia continues to claim it as part of its own sovereign territory. Kosovo's independence has been recognised by 108 out of 193 United Nations member states.

References

  1. ↑ "Rooting for Home, if Not Yet a Home Team". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
  2. ↑ Laurie Whitwell (2014-01-13). "Januzaj blow for England after FIFA give Kosovo green light to form national team | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-03-10.