Kosovo wants to Play First Soccer Game v USA

[KZ Man]

http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Campeonatos/0,,MUL313851-4840,00-KOSOVO+QUER+ESTREAR+CONTRA+OS+EUA.html

Translation:

"The Kosovar Football Federation (KFF) would like the first official game of its soccer term to be played against the United States, the main ally of the ex-Serbian province.

We will do every (possible) so that this match is played. I don't know if we will achieve it, but it would be a very symbolic moment for the country. It would be like a dream come true -- said the president of the federation, Fadil Vokrri.

He added that one possibility for scheduling the match might be during a European trip by the American team, which is playing a match against Poland at the end of March.

Football is the most popular sport in Kosovo, and the new State expects to obtain access to UEFA and FIFA, despite the resistance of Serbia and other allies such as Russia."
End Translation. A couple other Brazilian press outlets have the same story.

There's no information in the article about whether US Soccer has any interest in the match, or whether they've even been in contact. But it's an interesting case of politics and soccer. No idea if they have any decent players. Couldn't be a regular international friendly until they actually join FIFA.

Edit: The link in the post works, pls use that one. The main link at the beginning of the thread isn't for some reason, and I can't edit it.

[ussoccerFan12358]

I've got to head off to school so I've got a list of chores for someone on BS to complete; yes you'll be repped.

What FIFA dates do we still have open?

Do we know of any good players that would play for Kosovo?

[appoo]

First of all, this match would be outside of FIFA governance. You'd have to call it "random citizens of USA happening to play random citizens of Kosovo, who happen to be in Poland at the same time") since they only recognize sovreign nations. While USA, UK, and France recognize Kosovo, the likes of Spain and Russia do not. In fact, Russia has promised to veto any move by the UN to recognize Kosovo as a sovreign nation.

They may say they expect to, but they won't gain that recognition I think.

[Bill Schmidt]

First of all, this match would be outside of FIFA governance ... since they only recognize sovreign nations.

The sovereignty doesn't have to be complete, and can be disputed. For example, FIFA recognizes the following countries: American Samoa (territory of the U.S.), Taiwan (sovereignty disputed by China), Cyprus (sovereignty battle between Greece and Turkey), Hong Kong (part of China), Netherlands Antilles (autonomous country withing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch government controls defense and foreign affairs), U.S. Virgin Islands (territory of the U.S.), all the "home countries" of the U.K (share a head of state).

Also, some recently independent countries actually sought FIFA recognition before U.N. recognition, and most if not all of the countries of the former Yugoslavia have already gained FIFA membership. It seems to happen pretty quickly after independence.

[new_skin]

Look at Montenegro. They gained FIFA status immediately.

[KZ Man]

Montenegro and Kosovo are different cases, since no one challenged Montenegro's sovereignty when they declared independence; Kosovo's has been.

Different international federations have different membership rules. FIFA, as Bill Schmidt points out, does allow membership by less than fully sovereign entities (Wales, Taiwan, HK, etc). The question is what it takes to admit entities/countries in those circumstances (majority vote of existing members? Consensus of all existing members? Just approval by an executive board? I don't know).

[leppercut]

I think it would be pretty cool if that happened, then we could piss off Putin:p
unless they like threaten to kill our players then no.

[Ringo]

if I was an American player I would have a, you know, hamstring injury before I go to a dangerous place like that to play a game.

[Chesco United]

It might be better if we played that game here in the States, just for political and safety reasons.

[aavius]

But, didn't we recently schedule a game against Catalonia (Northeast region of Spain)? I believe the only reason we cancelled it was due to the objections of the Spanish Football Federation. They are obviously not a sovereign nation (although I'm sure some Catalonians would disagree) and we had them on the schedule. Also, what of the games against Denmark and Sweden here in the states? Those were not played on FIFA dates and are problably not recognized as actually results.
Point being, our federation has not exactly followed FIFA recomendations to the letter. It would definately be symbolic. My only concern is safety with the region as of late.

[blackjack]

Competitive issues aside, this would be a most noble match for us to play. I hope it happens.

[IlliniOnFire]

I'm not against it... i think it would be a great good will gesture...

but at the same time, we have to tread lightly with this...

There is a very ill-defined line between political good will through soccer, the MNT being a political tool (or becoming the focus of politics)...

[appoo]

if I was an American player I would have a, you know, hamstring injury before I go to a dangerous place like that to play a game.

Nuetral site. No way in hell we risk American athletes in a place that just torched our embassy.

They'd need a full unit of Marines, supported by a SEAL team, to protect them. Maybe those counter-terrorism units you read in Tom Clancy novels as well.

[IlliniOnFire]

Nuetral site. No way in hell we risk American athletes in a place that just torched our embassy.

They'd need a full unit of Marines, supported by a SEAL team, to protect them. Maybe those counter-terrorism units you read in Tom Clancy novels as well.

well, there IS about a brigades worth of US soldiers in Kosovo.. so there you go.

lord knows if they have a suitable stadium though..

[Clint Eastwood]

Play it in England at Craven Cottage, and give McBride one last run-out with the team. That would be as much of a testimonial match as the US has played.

[Chesco United]

Nuetral site. No way in hell we risk American athletes in a place that just torched our embassy.

They'd need a full unit of Marines, supported by a SEAL team, to protect them. Maybe those counter-terrorism units you read in Tom Clancy novels as well.

In fairness, a bunch of drunken Serbs torched the embassy in Belgrade. Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) is certainly a different place than Belgrade. That being said, Kosovo has a very vocal Serbian minority, and a game there would not be regarded as a safe one.

[Adam Zebrowski]

playing soccer matches for political reasons is wrong....

kosovo is a minnow and usa shouldn't play minnows unless forced to in real events...

the serbs still maintain their fascist approach to politics, and playing them in belgrade would be one helluva way to get the team tested ...

quality players and intimidation beyond azteca

[Ringo]

Play it in England at Craven Cottage, and give McBride one last run-out with the team. That would be as much of a testimonial match as the US has played.

mcBride deserves it, but he deserves to have it in America where the fans who have supported him for all these years get a chance to say goodbye. a tribute match for an American legend should be in America.

[garbaggio]

playing soccer matches for political reasons is wrong....

kosovo is a minnow and usa shouldn't play minnows unless forced to in real events...



Amen.

I'm sympathetic with Kosovo's independence but anyone who doesn't think they are suggesting this for 100% political reasons is naive. They picked a fight with the neighborhood bully and would now like others to come from outside and support them...

How about Kosovo plays its first game against Serbia, instead? Maybe then we could agree to play the winner.

[Adam Zebrowski]

well, i have a friend, retired cia guy...

when the usa bombed the chinese embassy back in the early 90s in belgrade, he was one of the guys who went to beijing to explain what happened...

this knowledgeable source has nothing positive to say about the serbs, they'll bide their time and wait till things cool down and reassert their greater hegemony in that region.