Membership of Kosovo in international sports federations explained

Kosovo was a part of several international sports federations in the 1990s, and has applied to become a member of many more after its 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia.

Background

See also: Sport in Kosovo. Kosovo is a full member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the European Olympic Committees (EOC); membership by the former was granted to Kosovo's Olympic Committee on 9 December 2014. The country has participated in both the Winter and Summer Olympics. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Kosovo won a gold medal, and in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, it won two.

Prior to IOC and IPC recognition, Kosovar athletes took part in the Special Olympics starting in 2003.[1] [2] A body known as the Special Olympics Kosovo was established to provide support for Kosovan special olympics athletes.[3] The Paralympic Committee of Kosovo won granted provisional membership status by the International Paralympic Committee on 16 July 2022.[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Full membership was granted at the following IPC General Assembly in Manama, Bahrain on 28 September 2023.[9] Kosovo made its Paralympic début at 2024 Summer Paralympics.[10] [11] [12] [13]

Kosovo participated in a wide multi-sport event for the first time at the 2015 European Games held in Baku, Azerbaijan.The first participation from athletes from the country were at the fourth 'World Dwarf Games' in Rambouillet, France in 2005,[14] Kosovo also participated at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, and in 2015 IHF Emerging Nations Championship, among others.

Membership in sport federations

The following sports federations have either admitted or have received an application from Kosovo for membership:

International federations and associations membership

EntityNotesStatusDate
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) FAI admitted Kosovo as a full member.[15] Member 25 September 2015
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) FIFA admitted the Football Federation of Kosovo as its 210th member at its 66th Congress in Mexico City.[16] Member 13 May 2016
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) FIA admitted the Federation of Auto Sport of Kosovo as a member at its annual assembly in 2015.[17] Member 4 December 2015
Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)The Volleyball Federation of Kosovo is a full member of the FIVB.[18] Member10 October 2016
International Archery Federation (FITA) FITA admitted Kosovo as a full member.[19] [20] Member 1 July 2011
International Tennis Federation (ITF) ITF admitted the Tennis Federation of Kosovo as a full member.[21] Member 25 September 2015
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) The IAAF admitted the Kosovo Athletic Federation as a provisional member "with full rights and obligations" on 15 April 2015[22] On 19 August 2015, full membership was granted to Kosovo after a vote, with 187 in favour and 13 against.Member 19 August 2015
International Basketball Federation (FIBA) FIBA admitted the Basketball Federation of Kosovo as a full member.[23] Member 13 March 2015
International Boxing Association (AIBA) Kosovo became AIBA's 195th federation in July 2012 (provisional).[24] Full membership was granted to Kosovo on 14 November 2014.[25] Member 14 November 2014
International Chess Federation (FIDE) The Kosovo Chess Federation became a full member of FIDE in 2016.[26] Member 2016
International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) ICMG admitted the Kosovo Olympic Committee as a full member on 30 October 2015 during its Extraordinary General Assembly in Washington D.C.[27] Member 30 October 2015
Kosovo became a member in July 2017.[28] Member 18 July 2017
International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) FILA admitted Kosovo as an associated federation, but not as a full member.[29] Associate 9 June 2008
International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) The FIG admitted the Kosovo Gymnastics Federation at its 80th Congress held in Uzbekistan on 29–30 October 2014.[30] Member 30 October 2014
International Handball Federation (IHF) IHM admitted the Handball Federation of Kosovo as a full member at the IHF Congress held in Sochi, Russia.[31] Member 7 November 2015
International Judo Federation (IJF) IJF admitted the Kosovo Judo Federation as a full member.[32] [33] Member 10 April 2012
International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) IKF admitted the Kickboxing Federation of Kosovo as a full member.[34] Member 18 March 2015
International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) The Kosovo Mixed Martial Federation became a member of the IMMAF in June 2020.[35] [36] Member 12 June 2020
International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) The UIPM admitted the Kosovo Pentathlon Union as a full member at its 2013 Annual Congress in Cyprus.[37] Member 29 November 2013
International Olympic Committee (IOC) The IOC admitted the Kosovo Olympic Committee as a full member on 9 December 2014 during its 127th IOC session in Monaco.[38] Member 9 December 2014
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) The IPC admitted the Paralympic Committee of Kosovo as a provisional member on 16 July 2022 and as a full member on 28 September 2023 allowing athletes from Kosovo to participate in the Paralympic Games.[39] [40] Member 16 July 2022 (provisional)
28 September 2023 (full)
International Sailing Federation (ISAF) ISAF admitted Kosovo as a full member.[41] Member 8 May 2012
International Ski Federation (FIS) The Kosovo Ski Federation was granted full membership on 7 November 2015.[42] [43] Member 7 November 2015
International Softball Federation (ISF) ISF admitted Kosovo as a full member.[44] Member 12 August 2008
International Swimming Federation (FINA) FINA admitted the Kosovo Swimming Federation as a full member.[45] [46] Member 17 February 2015
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) The Table Tennis Federation of Kosovo became a full member in 2003, prior to its declaration of independence.[47] [48] Member 21 May 2003
International University Sports Federation (FISU) The Kosovo University Sports Federation (FUSK) became a member of FISU in 2017.[49] Member 2017
As an associate member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Kosovo has participated in the Jeux de la Francophonie since 2017[50] [51] Associate 2014
Special Olympics Kosovo was founded in 2002 and athletes representing Kosovo have participated at the Special Olympics World Games since 2003.[52] Member 2002
International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) IWF admitted Kosovo as a full member.[53] [54] Member 18 June 2008
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) The UCI admitted Kosovo as a full member.[55] Prior to this, the ICU gave Kosovo temporary membership in February 2015 enabling Kosovo to participate in ICU affiliated competitions.[56] Member 25 September 2015
United World Wrestling (UWW) The UWW admitted Kosovo under associate membership on 16 January 2015 with full membership yet to be finalised.[57] Associate 16 January 2015
World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC)The Kosovo Baseball and Softball Federation became a member of the WBSC in 2016.[58] [59] [60] MemberAugust 2016
World Curling Federation (WFC) The WFC admitted the Kosovo Curling Federation as a provisional member at its 2012 annual general assembly in Scotland.[61] Provisional 21 October 2012
World Karate Federation (WKF) The WKF admitted the National Karate Federation of Kosovo to provisional membership on 13 December 2014.[62] Provisional 13 December 2014
World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) The WTF admitted the Kosovo Taekwondo Federation (KTF) at its 2013 Annual Congress.[63] From 14 July 2013 to 12 May 2015 the KTF was a provisional member of WTF. The KTF was granted full WTF membership at the WTF assembly on 12 May 2015.[64] Member 12 May 2015
World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF)Kosovo is a full member of WMF.[65] Member

European federations and associations membership

EntityNotesStatusDate
European Athletics Association (EAA) Kosovo became a full member of the EAA on 16 October 2015.[66] Member 16 October 2015
European Handball Federation (EHF) Kosovo became a full member of the EHF on 20 September 2014.[67] Member 20 September 2014
European Minigolf Sport Federation (EMF) Kosovo became a member of the EMF in April 2012.[68] [69] Member 20 April 2012
European Olympic Committees (EOC) The EOI automatically admitted the Kosovo Olympic Committee as a full member after Kosovo received full membership in the International Olympic Committee on 9 December 2014.[70] Member 9 December 2014
European Paralympic Committee (EPC) The Paralympic Committee of Kosovo became a member of the EPC when the International Paralympic Committee admitted Kosovo as a provisional member in July 2022 and a full member in September 2023. Full 28 September 2023
Tennis Europe admitted Kosovo as a full member.[71] Member 28 March 2015
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Kosovo became a full member of UEFA on 3 May 2016.[72] Member 3 May 2016
European Karate Federation (EFK)Kosovo is a full member of EFK.[73] Member 25 October 2016
European Judo Union (EJU)Kosovo is a full member of EJU.[74] Member
European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) Kosovo is a provisional member of EPBF.[75] Provisional
European Union of Gymnastics (EUG)Kosovo is a full member of EUG.[76] Member24 November 2015
European Volleyball Confederation (CEV)Kosovo is a full member of CEV.[77] Member21 January 2017
European Shooting Confederation (ESC)Kosovo is a full member of ESC.[78] Member
Ligue européenne de natation (LEN)Kosovo is a full member of LEN.[79] Member
European Chess Union (ECU)[80] Kosovo is a full member of ECU.[81] Member
Rugby EuropeThe Kosovo Rugby Federation became a member of Rugby Europe on 3 December 2021.[82] [83] [84] Member3 December 2021[85]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Find A Page. Special Olympics. 2017-03-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20081120103520/http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/2003+World+Games/Team+Kosovo.htm. 20 November 2008. dead.
  2. http://soi-prod4.specialolympics.org/gms2007worldgames/JW8IPLHP41Y0EZ86.html 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games > EE.SO Kosovo
  3. Web site: Kosovo. 26 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20081101022156/http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Program_Locator/Europe_Eurasia/Kosovo/default.htm. 1 November 2008. dead.
  4. Web site: The Paralympic Committee of Kosovo joins the International Paralympic Committee, Emini calls on the government to invest in infrastructure. Kosovapress.com. 25 July 2022. 29 July 2022.
  5. Web site: Kosovo. International Paralympic Committee. 29 July 2022.
  6. Web site: National Paralympic Committees. International Paralympic Committee. 29 July 2022.
  7. Web site: Historic moment for the Kosovo Paralympic athletes #Kosovo Paralympic Committee becomes fully member of the @Paralympics. Congrats to @EminiNjomza and our Paralympic athletes! We will debut in @Paris2024 Paralympic Games.. Twitter.com. 29 July 2022.
  8. Web site: At the opening of the Kosovo Parasports Games for 2022, Prime Minister Kurti congratulated everyone on Kosovo's acceptance into the International Paralympic Committee . 16 July 2022 .
  9. Web site: Paralympic family grows to 208 as IPC welcomes five new members .
  10. Web site: Most Olympic federations suspend Russian athletes, but officials go free. www.playthegame.org.
  11. Web site: The loneliness of the long-distance lobbyer – Hasani's Kosovo vision is golden. Insidethegames.biz. May 2022. 29 July 2022.
  12. Web site: Njomza Emini. Globalsportsmentoring.org. 29 July 2022.
  13. Web site: Komiteti Paralimpik i Kosovës - Kosovo joining the International Paralympic movement - Announcemt by IPC President Andrew Parsons | Facebook | By Komiteti Paralimpik i Kosovës | A great message from the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, on the occasion of the Para Sport Games Kosova 2022,.... 29 July 2022. Facebook.com.
  14. Web site: Little People of Kosova. 10 April 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080410033421/http://www.lpkosova.com/olympic.html . 29 July 2022. 10 April 2008 .
  15. Web site: Fédération Algérienne des Sports Aériens (ALG) and Aeronautical Federation of Kosovo (KOS) new FAI Active Members. Twitter.com. 29 July 2022.
  16. Web site: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) . 66th Fifa Congress, Mexico City 2016 . 20 September 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525151047/https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/congress/news/66th-fifa-congress-zurich-2016-2878197 . 25 May 2024 . 13 May 2016 . live.
  17. Web site: 2015 FIA Annual General Assembly Report. FIA.com. 18 September 2016. 4 December 2015.
  18. News: Një lajm i mirë nga Lozana: Kosova bëhet anëtare e Federatës Botërore të Volejbollit. PreshevaJone.com. 2017-03-21. en-US.
  19. Web site: 146 Member Associations - FITA Directory. 4 February 2012. International Archery Federation. https://web.archive.org/web/20120801053708/http://www.archery.org/UserFiles/Document/FITA%20website/02%20About%20Fita/Organisation/08_member_associations/Directory_MAs.pdf. 1 August 2012. dead.
  20. Web site: FITA admit Kosovo as a full member. Worldarchery.org. 29 July 2022.
  21. Web site: David Haggerty elected ITF President . ITF . 25 September 2015 . 27 September 2015 . ITF . 16 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210416152921/https://www.itftennis.com/news/215109.aspx . dead .
  22. http://www.iaaf.org/news/iaaf-news/council-meeting-beijing-april-2015 "Application for membership – Kosovo"
  23. Web site: Kosovo becomes 215th National Member Federation of FIBA. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817130556/http://www.fiba.basketball/news/kosovo-becomes-215th-national-member-federation-of-fiba. live. 17 August 2017. 13 March 2015. FIBA.
  24. News: Kosovo joins world boxing body as Balkan province uses sport to gain global recognition. The Washington Post. 14 July 2012. 10 July 2012.
  25. Web site: Kosovo Boxing Federation accepted with full rights in the AIBA. 18 December 2014. 16 November 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141218163103/http://streaming-score.com/boxing/kosovo-boxing-federation-accepted-full-rights-aiba/. 18 December 2014.
  26. Web site: Kosovo * FIDE Directory .
  27. Web site: KOSOVO 25TH MEMBER OF THE MEDITERRANEAN GAMES. EOC. 14 February 2018. 5 November 2015.
  28. Web site: Deaflympics.com. Deaflympics.com. 29 July 2022.
  29. Web site: Official FILA site . Fila-wrestling.com . 2006-05-01 . 2010-04-28 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110711001545/http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_annuaire_fila&act=liste2&fed=0&filtre_continent=0&filtre_pays=0&Itemid=156 . 11 July 2011.
  30. Web site: Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique. Fig-gymnastics.com.
  31. Web site: Seven Federations Receive Full Membership . 7 November 2015. IHF.
  32. http://www.mkrs-ks.org/?page=1,6,268 Ministri Krasniqi takoi kryetarin e Federatës Ndërkombëtare të Xhudos, z. Marius Vizer
  33. http://www.intjudo.eu/News/cikk2180 The Kosovo Judo Federation was accepted as full member of the International Judo Federation
  34. Web site: Federata Ndërkombëtare e Kick-Boksit e pranon Kosovën. Moral. Pozhegu. 18 March 2015. 18 March 2015. 13 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043520/http://zeri.info/sport/24379/federata-nderkombetare-e-kick-boksit-e-pranon-kosoven/. dead.
  35. Web site: IMMAF | Kosovar Mixed Martial Arts Federation joins IMMAF . 12 June 2020 .
  36. Web site: Kosovo becomes latest member of International Mixed Martial Arts Federation . 14 June 2020 .
  37. Web site: 65th UIPM Congress looks to the future . 2013-12-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131213135445/http://www.pentathlon.org/component/k2/item/12352-65th-uipm-congress-looks-to-the-future . 13 December 2013.
  38. Web site: 127th IOC Session comes to close in Monaco. International Olympic Committee. 9 December 2014. 6 August 2016. A day after unanimously approving Olympic Agenda 2020, the 127th IOC Session got straight back to business today in Monaco by granting full recognition to the National Olympic Committee of Kosovo..
  39. Web site: Kosovo becomes provisional member of International Paralympic Committee. 19 July 2022. Insidethegames.biz. 29 July 2022.
  40. Web site: Historic moment for the Kosovo Paralympic athletes #Kosovo Paralympic Committee becomes fully member of the @Paralympics. Congrats to @EminiNjomza and our Paralympic athletes! We will debut in @Paris2024 Paralympic Games.. Twitter.com. 29 July 2022.
  41. News: Kosovo Become Latest ISAF Member National Authority. 8 May 2012. International Sailing Federation. 8 May 2012.
  42. Web site: FIS, Passing of Hajrush Demaj, Kosovo. 13 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170510065839/http://www.fis-ski.com/news-multimedia/news/article=passing-hajrush-demaj-kosovo.html. 10 May 2017. dead.
  43. Web site: About FIS, National Ski Associations. https://web.archive.org/web/20131026084810/http://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/about/national-ski-associations/. dead. 2013-10-26.
  44. http://www.newkosovareport.com/200808141126/Culture-and-Sports/Kosovo-Softball-Federation-wins-international-recognition.html "Dhurata për 7 vjetorin e pavarësisë: Federata Ndërkombëtare e Notit pranon Kosovën"
  45. http://koha.net/?id=6&l=45183 "Kosovo Softball Federation wins international recognition"
  46. Web site: FINA Membership. https://web.archive.org/web/20150220082823/http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5077%3Akosovo-is-the-208th-fina-member&catid=225%3Ahighlight&Itemid=179. dead. 20 February 2015. 29 July 2022.
  47. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/188473, kosovo-faces-uphill-task-for-sporting-recognition.html "Kosovo faces uphill task for sporting recognition"
  48. Web site: ITTF Membership. https://web.archive.org/web/20160507045236/http://www.ittf.com/_front_page/ittf_full_story2.asp?ID=4080&Category. dead. 7 May 2016. 29 July 2022.
  49. Web site: Kosovo (KOS). Fisu.net .
  50. Web site: Portail de l'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Francophonie.org .
  51. Web site: Archived copy . jdf2017.microplustiming.com . 20 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190822100646/http://jdf2017.microplustiming.com/pdf/Livre%2520des%2520resultats%2520-%2520JDF2017.pdf . 22 August 2019 . dead.
  52. Web site: Kosovo. Media.specialolympics.org. 29 July 2022.
  53. http://www.newkosovareport.com/20080626991/Culture-and-Sports/More-recongitions-for-Kosovo-sports.html "More recognitions for Kosovo sports"
  54. http://www.iwf.net/2008/06/16/iwf-affiliates-new-members/ IWF affiliates new members
  55. Web site: UCI President outlines priorities for the next two years . UCI . 25 September 2015 . 27 September 2015.
  56. News: Kosovo joins swimming world body FINA, Kosovar athletes can participate at Baku 2015. 21 February 2015. 2015 European Games. 19 February 2015. usurped. https://web.archive.org/web/20150221151929/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/kosovo-joins-swimming-world-body-fina-can-participate-at-baku-2015. 21 February 2015.
  57. News: Wrestling Approves Significant Reforms to Sport Presentation, Will Recognize Kosovo. 21 February 2015. United Word Wrestling. 16 January 2015.
  58. Web site: Kosovo set to become full member of World Baseball Softball Confederation . 3 March 2016 .
  59. Web site: World Baseball Softball Confederation .
  60. Web site: World Baseball Softball Confederation .
  61. http://www.insidethegames.biz/latest/1011373-kosovo-curling-federation-becomes-provisional-world-body-member- Kosovo Curling Federation becomes provisional world body member
  62. Web site: NEWS CENTER - MAIN - WORLD KARATE FEDERATION. Wkf.net.
  63. Web site: Russia to Host 2015 World Taekwondo Championships in Chelyabinsk City . 2014-01-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140114115436/http://www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/news-news/item/450-russia-to-host-2015-world-taekwondo-championships-in-chelyabinsk-city . 14 January 2014.
  64. Web site: Wrestling and taekwondo suspend SportAccord membership - Host City News. Hostcity.com. 29 July 2022.
  65. Web site: KOS - Kosovo .
  66. Web site: Kosovo has been accepted as the 51st Member Federation at the European Athletics Congress in Lausanne.. Twitter.com. 29 July 2022.
  67. Web site: KOSOVO BECOMES A FULL MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN HANDBALL FEDERATION. Eurohandball.com. 29 July 2022.
  68. Web site: "EMF members list". https://web.archive.org/web/20121010000725/http://www.minigolf-europe.org/organisation/members.html. dead. 10 October 2012. 29 July 2022.
  69. http://www.mkrs-ks.org/?page=1,6,269 Ministri Krasniqi: Minigolfi një shembull, jo vetëm në Kosovë, por edhe në rajon, për organizim të mirëfilltë
  70. News: IOC OFFICIALLY WELCOME NOC OF KOSOVO TO THE OLYMPIC FAMILY. 18 December 2014. The European Olympics Committees. 9 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141216043237/http://www.eurolympic.org/index.php/en/news/2873-ioc-officially-welcome-noc-of-kosovo-to-the-olmpic-family. 16 December 2014.
  71. News: Kosovo becomes 50th member of Tennis Europe. 5 April 2015. 28 March 2015. Tennis Europe.
  72. Web site: Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) . Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA . 20 September 2024 . https://archive.today/20240920112516/https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/022d-0f8e2b5bf9d1-4268d2e86044-1000--football-federation-of-kosovo-joins-uefa/ . 20 September 2024 . 3 May 2016 . live.
  73. Web site: Countries Members. Europeankaratefederation.net. 29 July 2022. 10 January 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220110025738/http://europeankaratefederation.net/styles. dead.
  74. Web site: Kosovo Judo Federation - Memberstate of the European Judo Union. Eju.net. 2017-03-21. 12 November 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171112212550/http://www.eju.net/member-states/?mode=showMemberState&id=kos. dead.
  75. Web site: . July 27, 2020. Members of EPBF. February 16, 2021. EPBF.com. European Pocket Billiard Federation.
  76. Web site: Kosovo Gymnastic Federation admitted to the European Union of Gymnastics. Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Kosovo. 2017-03-21.
  77. News: Lajm i madh për volejbollin kosovar. 2017-03-21. en.
  78. Web site: ESC - ESC Members. Esc-shooting.org. 2017-03-21.
  79. Web site: Kosovo Swimming Federation – LEN.eu Ligue Européenne de Natation. Len.eu. en-US. 2017-03-21. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322115124/http://www.len.eu/?page_id=1609. dead.
  80. Web site: Kosovo « ECU. Europechess.org. en-US. 2017-03-22.
  81. Web site: Kosovo " ECU. Europechess.org. en-US. 2017-03-22.
  82. News: Kosovo is accepted as a member of "Rugby Europe". RTV21. 3 December 2021. 10 June 2022. 6 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211206203538/http://en.rtv21.tv/kosova-pranohet-si-anetare-e-rugby-europe/. dead.
  83. Web site: Rugby Europe Members. Rugbyeurope.eu .
  84. Web site: Archived copy . 10 June 2022 . 6 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211206203538/http://en.rtv21.tv/kosova-pranohet-si-anetare-e-rugby-europe/ . dead .
  85. Web site: Historical event! Kosovo is accepted as a member of Rugby Europe! Although difficult, our journey has shown that anything is possible if we all work together towards our common goals. Thank you all for the support. Twitter.com. 29 July 2022.

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