About Kosovo

The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) was originally created in 1946 as a branch of the Football Association of Yugoslavia. Following Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February 2008, the federation restructured as a fully independent body, though initial applications to FIFA were rejected due to limited international recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

The path to full international membership was long and complex. From 2012, FIFA permitted Kosovo to play friendly matches, which helped build the federation's profile. The breakthrough came in May 2016: the FFK received UEFA membership approval on 3 May 2016, followed by FIFA membership on 13 May 2016, with 141 votes in favour and 23 against — immediately after Kosovo's admission was Gibraltar's FIFA vote, with both new members admitted on the same day.

Headquartered in Pristina, the FFK today organises football at eight competitive levels, including the Football Superleague of Kosovo, and manages national teams for men, women, youth, and futsal. Since gaining international status, the Kosovo national team has attracted several players of Kosovar heritage who previously represented other nations, building a competitive squad that has made a creditable start in UEFA qualifying competitions.