FIFA delays Kosovo ruling due to Serbian politics

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA has delayed a decision on clearing Kosovo teams to play international soccer exhibitions until after Serbia forms a new government.

Sepp Blatter says FIFA executive committee will revisit the subject at a Sept. 27-28 meeting in Zurich.

Kosovo has been out of world soccer since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, because its sovereignty has not been recognized by the United Nations.

Blatter won provisional approval from FIFA member countries’ for Kosovo to play national and club teams, despite opposition from European soccer body UEFA.

On Tuesday, the president of soccer’s governing body said FIFA will wait until the end of the month when Serbia is expected to for a new government.

UEFA statutes require countries to be formally recognized by the Union Nations before getting full soccer rights.