New kids on the bloc: Kosovo set for historic World Cup qualifying debut despite player uncertainty

Kosovo became the 210th member of Fifa in May, but excitement ahead of the Balkans outfit’s historic match has been marred by questions over who will be allowed to play for the team

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Kosovo are preparing to make their debut as a member of Fifa. Photo: Twitter

Published: 12:45pm, 4 Sep 2016Updated: 10:21am, 5 Sep 2016

Despite several potential players remaining in “limbo”, Kosovo will make history on Monday, playing their first ever competitive match in a World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Kosovo became the 210th member of Fifa in May, but excitement ahead of the Balkans outfit’s historic match has been marred by questions over who will be allowed to play for the team.

According to Fifa’s rules, someone who has played for another national team cannot normally switch allegiance, so a number of Kosovo’s potential players have had to apply individually for special permission – which is still awaited.

Kosovo manager Albert Bunjaki is having to get by with a threadbare squad of players.

“It is unprecedented as they played for other national teams while Kosovo was not a member of FIFA ... Now they should be given this opportunity like everyone else,” the head of Kosovo’s football association Fadil Vokrri said.

“Fifa should allow a one-off exemption for Kosovo.”

A Fifa spokesman said the various applications “are currently pending and being investigated” but he could not give an estimation of how long the decision process would take.