‘Al-Andalus vs Territory of Kosovo’: Naming Row Overshadows U-21 Game

Rabat – A UEFA U-21 football match between Spain and Kosovo turned into a political controversy over how Kosovo was named. Spain referred to Kosovo as the “Territory of Kosovo,” on its official social media, reflecting Spain’s longstanding position of not recognizing Kosovo as an independent country.

In response, the Kosovo federation renamed the match “Kosovo vs Al-Andalus,” referencing the historical Muslim kingdom in what is now Spain. Spain later deleted its tweet, but the Kosovo federation left theirs online.

Al-Andalus was the name of the Muslim-ruled lands in what is now Spain from the 8th to the 15th century. By using this name, Kosovo was making a historical reference while turning the situation around and pointing out the irony of Spain questioning Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. While most European Union countries recognize Kosovo as an independent state, Spain is among the five EU members that do not. Only 108 United Nations member states recognize Kosovo.

In addition to Spain, Slovakia, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.

By calling it a “territory,” Spain ignored Kosovo’s status as a sovereign state and a full member of UEFA, which oversees football in Europe.

Read also: Revealing the Arab-Muslim Identity of Madrid

The Kosovo Football Federation quickly protested. In a letter to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Spain’s federation president Rafael Louzán, the Kosovan federation called Spain’s labeling “unacceptable” and said it undermined Kosovo’s sovereignty and equality as a UEFA member.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have faced this type of behavior from the Spanish Football Federation, and we consider it completely unacceptable,” reads the letter.

The Kosovan federation demanded a “clear and immediate reaction” from UEFA regarding the matter. They also requested a “public correction and official acknowledgment by the Spanish Football Federation, admitting that their actions were inappropriate and contrary to UEFA’s fundamental principles.”

Despite the dispute, the match went ahead, and Spain won 3-1 with goals from Joel Roca, Iker Bravo, and Adrián Niño. However, the focus quickly shifted from the score to the political row over Kosovo’s recognition.

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