Budapest (Hungary), May 22: FIFA has given Kosovo approval to begin playing friendlies against its 208 member countries.
FIFA's executive committee has made the decision after previously blocking Kosovo's ambitions because it is not recognized by the United Nations.
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008.
However, FIFA and European football's governing body UEFA had repeatedly denied Kosovo's demands for football recognition for its national team and clubs.
FIFA announced the move without giving reasons for its decision.