Serbian Football Association to Sue UEFA Over Decision to Accept Kosovo

The Football Association of Serbia will file a lawsuit against UEFA over its decision to approve Kosovo's membership bid.

BELGRADE (Sputnik) — The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) will file a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne against the European football's governing body UEFA over its decision to approve Kosovo's membership bid, the Serbian officials announced Tuesday.

According to the Tanjug news agency, the decision to file the lawsuit was voiced by Serbian Sports Minister Vanja Udovicic and the head of the government office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, at a press conference.

Earlier in the day, the UEFA Congress voted 28-24 to allow the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) to join the association. Two votes were voided.

Djuric said that the UEFA Statute foresees that only UN member states can enter the organization, as cited by the media outlet. He underlined that eleven states which had previously supported Kosovo's independence voted against the UEFA decision.

Kosovo broke away from Serbia and proclaimed independence in 2008. Kosovo has been recognized by over a half of UN member states but is denied UN membership. Belgrade does not recognize the Kosovo statehood, and its membership in international organizations.

Belgrade has been in reconciliation talks with the breakaway region since 2011 after Brussels put pressure on the Serbian government.