FIBA says “no” to Kosovo membership
The central board of the world’s basketball federation (FIBA) has decided during its meeting in Beijing that Kosovo cannot become its member as it does not fulfill conditions such as UN membership.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Kosovo basketball association sent a request for membership to FIBA on April 11, but it was refused.
The UN consider Kosovo as part of Serbia and do not see Kosovo as an independent state, despite its unilateral declaration of secession.
Kosovo's declaration will not affect the outlook of any European or global sporting associations, as according to their statures new affiliates are accepted solely from the United Nations member countries.
Therefore, Kosovo will have no place in the International Olympic Committee, European or world football associations (UEFA and FIFA), world and European volleyball associations (FIVB and CEV), etc.
Kosovo national teams and clubs will not be allowed participate in qualifying campaigns or official international cups, while it will be possible in the competitions of the world handball association (EHF), which had enabled Kosovo teams take part in its competitions even several years before its declaration of independence.
