KOSOVO: Displaced footballers around Europe

Adnan Januzaj is another example of the displaced Kosovan nationals who are across Europe since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. 

Kosovo is an independent state bordering Albania and within the former Yugoslavia but is not recognised by Serbia. The national team has been formally recognised by FIFA and allowed to play friendlies. But UEFA, bowing to pressure from Russia and Serbia, has so far refused recognition. 

Kosovo’s international isolation has forced many of its best footballers to seek international recognition elsewhere, notably Albania and Switzerland, where many Kosovan refugees were granted sanctuary during the civil war. 

Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami, were all born in Kosovo but are now representing Switzerland, while Lorik Cana, who was born in Albania of Kosovan heritage, now captains Albania. 

The Kosovan FA would like to see FIFA allow a one-off  nationality switch if they are accepted into FIFA. 

When Switzerland played Albania in a World Cup qualifer, nine of the starting line-ups were born in Kosovo, or had roots in the region. 

Granit Xhaka’s elder brother, Taulant, has played for Switzerland at under-21 level but is considering an invitation to switch to Albania at senior level. 

In England, the most famous Kosovan footballer has been Shefki Kuqi, once of Blackburn Rovers, who opted to play for Finland, where he and his family had been granted political asylum following the civil war. His brother, Njazi, has also played for Finland.