0
PRISTINA, March 4: Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli has appointed German football legend Franz Beckenbauer as an honourable ambassador, urging him to help the breakaway territory to join UEFA and FIFA, his office said on Friday.
“The title of honourable ambassador is given to Mr Beckenbauer for his contribution ... for integration of Kosovo's football [association] in UEFA and FIFA,” Pacolli said. “Beckenbauer is a man of peace and we address him to help Kosovo, to help sport in Kosovo,” Pacolli added.Kosovo has applied for both UEFA and FIFA membership, but has been denied until it becomes a United Nations member.
During his one-day visit to Kosovo, Beckenbauer met Pacolli, Kosovo football officials and diplomats in Pristina.
“Sport is an image of a country. We want to raise our image,” Paccoli was quoted as saying during a meeting with Beckenbauer.
The ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but the territory has not become a UN member due to Serbia's opposition. It has so far been recognised by 75 countries, including the US and majority of the EU. Beckenbauer has said that he will stand down from the 22-strong FIFA executive committee in March.—AFP
