• Football

Januzaj to skip Kosovo game

ESPN staff
February 21, 2014
Januzaj to skip Kosovo game

Adnan Januzaj will not make his international debut for Kosovo next month, the Manchester United winger's father has confirmed.

Januzaj, 19, was reportedly set to play for the country - where the majority of his family hail from - in its first-ever full international against Haiti on March 5.

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Kosovo is currently not recognised by the United Nations and until then cannot be admitted to FIFA. World football's governing body, however, has granted the nation permission to play against full FIFA members who recognise its independence - although such meetings would not qualify as full international fixtures.

The Football Federation of Kosovo had spoken of its confidence in securing the services of Januzaj for the friendly, however, his father, Abedin, has ruled out the possibility of his participation.

"I was born there and I would like my son to play for the national team of my country, but the matter is delicate, because the Kosovo FA is not yet a member of FIFA," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"Maybe one day Adnan will play for Kosovo, but for now, this will not happen. And we have a lot of time to think about everything."

Januzaj is wanted by a host of different countries, with Belgium, Albania, Turkey, Serbia and England all hoping to persuade him to represent them.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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