Platini: Kosovo cannot join UEFA
The president of the European football association UEFA Michel Platini said during a visit in Albanian that Kosovo must first become a member of the United Nations, before being allowed into UEFA or FIFA
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, November 14, 2008
Platini said he was aware of Kosovo's requests, as well as of the lobbying of the Albanian football federation in favour of Pristina's application, but he insisted that the organisations' rules must be respected.
Prior to Mr Platini's statements, FIFA formally rejected Pristina's application at the end of October, saying that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" could join.
It added that this means Kosovo "cannot play any friendly matches" either.
