4 minutes agoKosovo flag alone banned in Russia
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)After many years of effort, the Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) finally got what it wanted at any cost when two years ago it became a full member of FIFA, welcoming to this organisation that numbers more than 200 member states. FIFA membership meant that Kosovo, which still [...]
FIFA membership meant that Kosovo, which is still fighting for recognition by the United Nations ten years after its declaration of independence, could compete for a place in the World Championship, which ended yesterday and was held in Russia, writes today “Koha Ditore”.
Since Kosovo's representative would be welcome to this tournament in the event she secures the qualifications through the eliminations, the same cannot be said of her flag. This is because the Kosovo flag was not wanted in Russia during world time (June 14th) June 15th.
The flag carrying the Kosovo gold map under six white stars on a blue background is one of several banned flags at the stadiums where world matches were held by the host of the event. In fact, Kosovo's flag is the only one of FIFA members not allowed to appear at 12 stadiums in Russia. Other banned flags are not of FIFA member states.
Kosovo's one is listed as a banned flag in a seven-page document, along with flags representing internationally unknown territories and separatist movement organisations. Flags of terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State, are also mentioned in documents of this ban.
