Kosovo national football team

Kosovo
Nickname(s) Dardanët (Dardanians)
Association Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Albert Bunjaki
Captain Samir Ujkani
Most caps Samir Ujkani
Fanol Perdedaj (11)
Top scorer Albert Bunjaku (3)
Home stadium Pristina City Stadium
Olympic Stadium Adem Jashari
Loro Boriçi Stadium (only 2018 FIFA World Cup's qualifying matches)
FIFA code KVX[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 165 Decrease 1 (24 November 2016)
Highest 164 (October 2016)
Lowest 190 (July–August 2016)
Elo ranking
Current 104 (6 September 2016)
Highest 102 (14 February 1993)
Lowest 122 (June–July 2014)
First international
As FIFA member
 Kosovo 2–0 Faroe Islands 
(Frankfurt, Germany; 3 June, 2016)
Permitted by FIFA
 Kosovo 0–0 Haiti 
(Mitrovica, Kosovo; 5 March, 2014)
Unofficial
 Albania 3–1 Kosovo Albania
(Tirana, Albania; 14 February, 1993)
Biggest win
As FIFA member
 Kosovo 2–0 Faroe Islands 
(Frankfurt, Germany; 3 June, 2016)
Permitted by FIFA
 Kosovo 2–0 Equatorial Guinea 
(Pristina, Kosovo; 10 October, 2015)
Unofficial
United Nations Kosovo 7–1 Monaco 
(Cap d'Ail, France; 22 April, 2006)
Biggest defeat
 Kosovo 0–6 Croatia 
(Shkodër, Albania; 6 October, 2016)

The Kosovo national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja kosovare e futbollit, Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова/Fudbalska reprezentacija Kosova) represents Kosovo in international men's football. It is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo,[2] the governing body for football in Kosovo. They have been a member of UEFA and FIFA since May 2016.[3] The team is coached by Albert Bunjaki, who took charge in July 2009.

History

Pre-independence

The squads of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro and Serbia at international competitions often included players from Kosovo, such as Fadil Vokrri and Stevan Stojanović. Three football players (Milutin Šoškić, Fahrudin Jusufi, Vladimir Durković) were part of the Yugoslavia team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics and silver medal at the 1960 European Championship.

The unofficial national team of Kosovo was formed following the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, and has played a number of friendly matches. Most of these friendly matches were played against club teams, although a number were played against national teams of other countries.

Official formation

On 6 May 2008, after the declaration of independence from Serbia, Kosovo applied for FIFA membership. Kosovo's application was discussed at the FIFA Congress in Zurich, in October 2008 when Kosovo was rejected membership in FIFA and could not play friendly matches as it was deemed it did not comply with article 10 of the FIFA statutes, that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted into FIFA.[4][5] FIFA reverted that decision on 22 May 2012, stating that Kosovo may play other countries in international friendlies according to Article 79 of the FIFA Statutes.[6]

In September 2012, Albanian international Lorik Cana, along with Swiss internationals Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami (all of them with Kosovar Albanian origin) wrote a declaration to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, asking him to allow the Kosovo national team to be allowed to play friendly matches. The declaration was also signed by eight other Albanian footballers, hailing from Kosovo: Lorik Cana, Armend Dallku, Mërgim Mavraj, Samir Ujkani, Alban Meha, Burim Kukeli, Etrit Berisha, and Ahmed Januzi.[7] In a meeting held in May 2012, FIFA decided to allow friendly matches to be played, a decision it later revoked following a protest issued by Football Association of Serbia. Some players, especially Kosovo Serbs (such as Miloš Krasić and Milan Biševac), continued to play for the Serbia national football team. A new meeting was planned to be held at FIFA on 27 and 28 September in which the Kosovo issue was again planned to be discussed, which was then postponed until December.[8][9] In February 2013, FIFA announced that they would allow Kosovo to play against other nations in non-official competitions providing that they did not display national symbols.[10]

On 13 January 2014, the national team was given permission by FIFA to play against FIFA member associations in international friendlies, with the notable exception of "representative teams of countries of the former Yugoslavia". Even club teams would be allowed to play friendlies after a FIFA Emergency Committee meeting. However, it was stipulated that "clubs and representative teams of the (Football Federation of Kosovo) may not display national symbols (flags, emblems, etc.) or play national anthems." The go-ahead was given after meetings between the Serbian Football Association and Blatter. Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi welcomed the decision and expressed his hope that the country would be a full member of FIFA and UEFA in the near future.[11][12] Following FIFA's ruling, it was announced that Kosovo's first officially sanctioned international match would be against Haiti on 5 March in Mitrovica.

In March 2015 Michel Platini, UEFA's president, declared that Kosovo will be likely accepted in UEFA in 2016.

In September 2015 at an Executive committee meeting in Malta, UEFA approved the request from the federation to the admission in UEFA to the next Ordinary Congress to be held in Budapest on 3 May 2016.[13] At the Ordinary Congress on 3 May 2016, Kosovo were accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[14]

On 13 May 2016 Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th congress in Mexico with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[15] The association joined Gibraltar as the 210th and 211th members of FIFA, respectively.

Match record

Kosovo has played a number of unofficial international friendlies. The first one was against Albania on 14 February 1993, lost 1–3. The line-up of that match was: Ahmet Beselica (Afrim Tovërlani), Fadil Berisha, Isa Sadriu (Nushi), Bardhyl Seferi, Gani Llapashtica, Selaudin Jerlini (Osmani), Kushtrim Munishi, Sadullah Ajeti (Ramiz Krasniqi), Muharrem Sahiti (Abdullah Rafuna), Genc Hoxha (c) (Idrizi) and Ardian Kozniku.[16]

One of the most important international matches was a 1–0 win over Saudi Arabia,[17] played in Ankara, Turkey, on 15 June 2007. It was the first time that Kosovo played a team that has taken part in the FIFA World Cup and the winning goal was scored by Kristian Nushi from the penalty spot on the 84th minute. The biggest win for Kosovo is the 7–1 defeat of Monaco,[18] who hosted the event on 24 April 2006. The team that played against Monaco was led by the former Kosovo national team coach, Muharrem Sahiti, who after the match stated that: "I am very pleased with the team's performance even though we had predicted a stronger opponent. However, I want to emphasize that our players have been fantastic. The fact that we do not play many international matches may have inspired the players to give it their all this time".[19]

In 2005 they participated in the KTFF 50th Anniversary Cup in Northern Cyprus, finishing second out of three. They lost 1–0 against the host and won 4–1 against Sàpmi.

On 5 March 2014, Kosovo played its first international friendly against Haiti. The match ended in a 0–0 draw.[20] Before the match, a selection of Kosovo players posed with guns at a shooting range, causing a stir in Serbia.[21] On the eve of the match, Kosovo supporters burned the flag of Serbia.[22][23] This incident prompted the FSS to request that FIFA revoke Kosovo's right to play international friendlies.[24] On 14 October 2014 the Kosovo, has played another unofficial international test match against the Swiss team FC Wil 1900 at IPG Arena, Wil, and won 1–0 which was scored by Kushtrim Lushtaku at the 77' minute.[25] On 24 March 2015 the Kosovo, has played another unofficial international test match against the German team courses equated with Eintracht Frankfurt with score 0–0 and the date 27 March 2015, lost from Werder Bremen with score 2–0.

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 2006 Part of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro—
2010 to 2014 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Russia 2018 Qualification Group I4013112
Qatar 2022 To be determined——————
Total 0/22 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 3 1 12

    UEFA European Championship

    UEFA European Championship record Qualification record
    Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
    1960 to 2004 Part of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro—
    2008 to 2016 Not a UEFA member Not a UEFA member
    Europe 2020 To be determined  —  —  —  —  —  —
    Total 0/16 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

    Non-FIFA Tournament

    Kosovo has so far only participated in one international tournament, the KTFF 50th Anniversary Cup, held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Northern Cyprus Football Federation.[26]

    Year Round Pos Pld W D* L GF GA
    Northern Cyprus 2005Group stage Runners-up210142

    *Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

    List of matches

    The following is a list of matches of Kosovo since 1993.[27]

    Unofficial matches from 1993 to 2010

    FIFA recognized matches from 2014 to 2016

    Official matches from 2016

    Players

    Current squad

    The following 21 players were called up for the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification match against Turkey on 12 November 2016.[29]
    Caps and goals as of 12 November 2016 after match against Turkey.[30]

    0#0 Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
    1 1GK Samir Ujkani (Captain) (1988-07-05) 5 July 1988 11 0 Italy Pisa
    12 1GK Adis Nurković (1986-01-28) 28 January 1986 0 0 Bosnia and Herzegovina Travnik
    16 1GK Bledar Hajdini (1997-06-19) 19 June 1997 0 0 Kosovo Trepça'89
    2 2DF Fanol Perdedaj (1991-07-16) 16 July 1991 11 0 Germany 1860 Munich
    19 2DF Leart Paqarada (1994-08-10) 10 August 1994 8 0 Germany Sandhausen
    4 2DF Alban Pnishi (1990-10-20) 20 October 1990 6 0 Switzerland Grasshopper
    6 2DF Avni Pepa (1988-11-14) 14 November 1988 5 0 Iceland ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar
    13 2DF Amir Rrahmani (1991-02-21) 21 February 1991 5 0 Croatia Lokomotiva
    21 2DF Eroll Zejnullahu (1991-10-19) 19 October 1991 3 0 Germany Union Berlin
    20 2DF Benjamin Kololli (1992-05-15) 15 May 1992 1 0 Switzerland Lausanne-Sport
    3 2DF Mërgim Vojvoda (1995-02-01) 1 February 1995 0 0 Belgium Mouscron
    22 2DF Fidan Aliti (1993-10-03) 3 October 1993 0 0 Croatia Slaven Belupo
    23 3MF Bernard Berisha (1991-10-21) 21 October 1991 7 0 Russia Anzhi Makhachkala
    5 3MF Enis Alushi (1985-12-22) 22 December 1985 6 0 Germany Nürnberg
    14 3MF Valon Berisha (1993-02-07) 7 February 1993 5 1 Austria Red Bull Salzburg
    8 3MF Besar Halimi (1991-12-12) 12 December 1991 5 0 Germany Mainz 05
    7 3MF Milot Rashica (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 5 0 Netherlands Vitesse
    11 3MF Herolind Shala (1992-01-02) 2 January 1992 4 0 Turkey Kasımpaşa
    15 3MF Arber Zeneli (1995-02-25) 25 February 1995 4 0 Netherlands Heerenveen
    17 3MF Alban Meha (1986-04-28) 28 April 1986 3 0 Turkey Konyaspor
    18 4FW Vedat Muriqi (1994-04-24) 24 April 1994 3 0 Turkey Gençlerbirliği

    Recent call-ups

    The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months.

    Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
    GK Granit Kolshi (1990-08-17) 17 August 1990 0 0 Kosovo Besa Pejë v.  Finland, 5 September 2016
    GK Flamur Neziri (1987-05-22) 22 May 1987 0 0 Kosovo Feronikeli v.  Finland, 5 September 2016
    DF Ardian Ismajli (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 0 0 Croatia Hajduk Split v.  Croatia, 6 October 2016
    DF Bajram Jashanica (1990-07-25) 25 July 1990 3 0 Albania Skënderbeu Korçë v.  Finland, 5 September 2016
    DF Lum Rexhepi (1992-08-03) 3 August 1992 3 0 Finland HJK v.  Faroe Islands, 3 June 2016
    MF Bersant Celina (1996-09-09) 9 September 1996 5 1 Netherlands FC Twente v.  Ukraine, 9 October 2016
    MF Hekuran Kryeziu (1993-12-12) 12 December 1993 3 0 Switzerland FC Luzern v.  Ukraine, 9 October 2016
    MF Valmir Sulejmani (1996-02-01) 1 February 1996 1 0 Germany Hannover 96 v.  Ukraine, 9 October 2016
    FW Albert Bunjaku (1983-11-29) 29 November 1983 6 3 Switzerland St. Gallen v.  Turkey, 12 November 2016 INJ
    FW Labinot Kabashi (2000-02-28) 28 February 2000 0 0 Spain Barcelona v.  Ukraine, 9 October 2016 INJ
    FW Flamur Kastrati (1991-11-14) 14 November 1991 3 0 Norway Aalesunds v.  Faroe Islands, 3 June 2016
    FW Mërgim Brahimi (1992-08-08) 8 August 1992 2 2 Switzerland Grasshopper v.  Faroe Islands, 3 June 2016
    FW Elbasan Rashani (1993-05-09) 9 May 1993 2 2 Norway Rosenborg v.  Faroe Islands, 3 June 2016

    Stadiums

    The main stadium of Kosovo national football team is Pristina City Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi i Qytetit), a multi-purpose stadium based in Pristina, but also the second used stadium is Olympic Stadium Adem Jashari (Albanian: Stadiumi Olimpik Adem Jashari), a multi-use stadium in Mitrovica. But these two stadiums do not meet rules and regualtions and Kosovo expected will play qualifying matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër, while their stadiums are renovated to meet UEFA standards, [31][32] while Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania in a post in Facebook, he says that the Kosovo national football team will play their qualifying matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the Loro Boriçi Stadium.[33]

    Individual all-time records

    Below are two lists of the top 10 players with the most caps and goals for Kosovo.

    As of 13 November 2015[16][34][35][36][37][38]
      Active players are highlighted

    Appearances records

    # Name Career Caps Goals
    1
    Shpëtim Hasani
    		 2005, 2010, 2014– 6 1
    2
    Kristian Nushi
    		 2007–2014 5 1
    Fanol Perdedaj
    		 2014– 5 0
    4
    Kushtrim Mushica
    		 2005, 2010, 2014– 4 0
    Anel Raskaj
    		 2010, 2014– 4 0
    6
    Ilir Nallbani
    		 2005–2010 3 0
    Yll Hoxha
    		 2010, 2014– 3 0
    Samir Ujkani
    		 2014– 3 0
    Albert Bunjaku
    		 2014– 3 2
    Imran Bunjaku
    		 2014– 3 1
    Enis Alushi
    		 2014– 3 0
    Faton Toski
    		 2014– 3 0
    Dardan Rexhepi
    		 2014– 3 0
    Shkodran Metaj
    		 2014– 3 0
    Liridon Krasniqi
    		 2014– 3 0
    Loret Sadiku
    		 2014– 3 0

    Top goalscorers

    # Name Career Goals Caps
    1
    Albert Bunjaku
    		 2014– 3 5
    2
    Elbasan Rashani
    		 2015– 2 2
    Mërgim Brahimi
    		 2015– 2 2
    Dukagjin Gashi
    		 2007–2010 2 4
    Shpëtim Hasani
    		 2005, 2010, 2014– 2 7
    3
    Valon Berisha
    		 2016– 1 1
    Kushtrim Munishi
    		 1993 1 1
    Erdogan Brando
    		 2005 1 1
    Haxhi Zeka
    		 2006 1 1
    Xhevdet Llumnica
    		 2002–2006 1 2
    Uliks Emra
    		 2005–2006 1 3
    Sunaj Keqi
    		 2002–2006 1 3
    Imran Bunjaku
    		 2014– 1 3
    Ismet Ramushi
    		 2005–2007 1 3
    Bersant Celina
    		 2014– 1 4
    Ilir Nallbani
    		 2005–2010 1 4
    Shpetim Idrizi
    		 1993–2006 1 4
    Kristian Nushi
    		 2007–2014 1 5

    Head-to-head records against other countries

    As of 12 November 2016
    Albert Bunjaku scored Kosovo's first goal in a FIFA recognised match and the first goal for Kosovo in an official match.
    Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Ref
     Albania 401359−4 [39][40][41]
     Croatia 100106−6 H2H results
     Equatorial Guinea 110020+2 H2H results
     Faroe Islands 110020+2 H2H results
     Finland 101011+0 H2H results
     Haiti 101000+0 H2H results
     Monaco 110071+6 H2H results
     Northern Cyprus 100101−1 H2H results
    H2H results
     Oman 110010+1 H2H results
     Sápmi 110041+3 H2H results
     Saudi Arabia 110010+1 H2H results
     Senegal 100113−2 H2H results
     Turkey 200218−7 [42][43]
     Ukraine 100103−3 H2H results
    14 Countries 18 6 3 9 25 33 −8

    References

    1. ↑ Dryomin, Mark; Tabeira, Martin; Lozano, Carles; Jeffree, Iain (2 Jun 2016). "FIFA Country Codes". rsssf.com. RSSSF. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
    2. ↑ "PROLONGOHEN NDESHJET E PARAPARA PËR NË GJERMANI". www.ffk-kosova.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    3. ↑ Kosovo, Gibraltar join FIFA before 2018 World Cup qualifying Daily Mail
    4. ↑ "FIFA's finances solid". FIFA. 24 October 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
    5. ↑ "Fifa rejects Kosovo football body application – Sport – The Sofia Echo". sofiaecho.com. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    6. ↑ "FIFA ExCo makes reform progress and Audit and Compliance Committee appointment". Media Release. FIFA.com. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
    7. ↑ Shqip, Gazeta (2012-09-20). "Shaqiri, Xhaka, Cana&Co., deklaratë për Kosovën në FIFA | Gazeta SHQIP Online". gazeta-shqip.com. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    8. ↑ "Cana, Šaćiri, Džaka i Behrami pisali Blateru zbog Kosova" (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
    9. ↑ "Vokri: FIFA i UEFA imaju dvostruke standarde" (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
    10. ↑ "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA.com. 6 February 2013.
    11. ↑ "FIFA allows Kosovo to play friendly matches". Reuters UK. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    12. ↑ "FIFA Emergency Committee confirms friendly matches involving clubs and representative teams of Kosovo". FIFA.com. 13 January 2014.
    13. ↑ "Kosovo hopeful Uefa admission can lead to place in 2018 World Cup qualifying". theguardian.com. The Guardian. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
    14. ↑ "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". theguardian.com. The Guardian. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
    15. ↑ "Zyrtare: Kosova pranohet në FIFA, jemi të barabartë me të gjitha vendet e botës – Telegrafi". Telegrafi. 2016-05-13. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    16. 1 2 "International Matches 1993 – Europe, January–March". www.rsssf.com. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    17. ↑ Kosovo 1:0 Saudi Arabia (Futbolli.com) Archived 30 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
    18. ↑ "Friendly match / Kosovo defeated Monaco by a score of 7–1". www.albaniasoccer.com. April 24, 2006. Archived from the original on 22 May 2006. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    19. ↑ AlbaniaSoccer (2006). "Salihi's statement after the Monaco friendly". Archived from the original on 29 October 2007.
    20. ↑ "Kosovo footballers draw with Haiti in Mitrovica debut – BBC News". BBC News. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    21. ↑ "Kosovo national team cause a stir by posing with guns before first ever international fixture". Independent. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
    22. ↑ "Zapaljena zastava Srbije" [Serbian flag burned] (in Serbian). B92. 5 March 2014.
    23. ↑ "Navijači Kosova zapalili zastavu Srbije" [Kosovo supporters burn the Serbian flag] (in Bosnian). Oslobođenje. 5 March 2014.
    24. ↑ "FSS traži opoziv FIFA za Kosovo" [The FSS seeks that FIFA recall Kosovo] (in Serbian). B92. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
    25. ↑ "Navijači Kosova test in Switzerland" [Kosovo supporters burn the Serbian flag] (in Albanian). Oslobođenje. 14 October 2014.
    26. ↑ "Tr Northern Cyprus – 50 Years Anniversary Cup 2005". Rssf.com. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
    27. ↑ "Kosovo matches, ratings and points exchanged". eloratings.net. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
    28. ↑ ""Zyrtare: Kosovë–Kroaci zhvillohet në stadiumin "Loro Boriçi" në Shkodër". SportRKS. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
    29. ↑ "Bunjaki publikoi listën e futbollistëve".
    30. ↑ http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=276483/match=300361567/index.html
    31. ↑ "Këto janë 11 stadiumet e Superligës dhe asnjëri nuk i plotëson kushtet (Foto)". telegrafi.com. Retrieved June 2016. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
    32. ↑ ""Loro Boriçi", shtëpia e përkohshme e Kosovës". Radio Television of Kosovo. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
    33. ↑ ""Loro Boriçi" i rilindur gati për kolaudim (Foto)". Edi Rama. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
    34. ↑ "Kosovo vs. Albania (0:1)". National Football Teams. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    35. ↑ "Kosovo (2005)". National Football Teams. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    36. ↑ "Kosovo (2007)". National Football Teams. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    37. ↑ "Kosovo (2010)". National Football Teams. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    38. ↑ "Kosovo international footballers of all-time". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    39. ↑ "International Matches 1993 – Europe, January–March". RSSSF. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    40. ↑ "Koha shtesë ia siguroi fitoren Shqipërisë – Sport plus". Bota Sot. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    41. ↑ "Miqësorja vëllazërore në barazim 2–2, Prishtina e tëra në festë". Telesport. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
    42. ↑ "Kosovo v Turkey". eu-football.info. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
    43. ↑ "Turkey v Kosovo". eu-football.info. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
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