Kosovo allowed to play friendly matches

London: Kosovo was on Monday given permission by FIFA to stage friendly matches despite not being a member federation of football`s world governing body.

The decision, taken by FIFA`s emergency committee chaired by FIFA president Sepp Blatter after talks between Kosovo and Serbian football chiefs last week, came with certain restrictions. FIFA said sides from Kosovo "may not display national symbols - flags or emblems - or play national anthems" but can "wear or display kit or equipment bearing the name `Kosovo`" and a star symbol. For games held in Kosovo, FIFA must be given at least three weeks notice. Blatter in a statement noted: "This decision by FIFA`s emergency committee offers an important step to the development of football in Kosovo and confirms once aqain the exceptional power of our sport to unite people." FIFA initially granted Kosovo permission to play friendly matches in May 2012 but this decision was suspended following protests by the Serbian Football Federation. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has been recognised by more than 100 countries, including the United States and a majority of the EU states.