BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Serbia reacted with outrage against UEFA’s decision to accept the former province of Kosovo as its 55th member, saying on Tuesday it will fight the decision by all legal means.

UEFA’s 28-24 vote in favor of Kosovo’s acceptance “is a warning that we live in the world of interest and politics, and not justice and rules,” Serbia’s Foreign Ministry said.

Ethnic Albanian-dominated Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia, with the help of its Slavic ally Russia, has vowed never to accept it, and has blocked it from joining the United Nations.

Serbian officials said they will file a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport because, they said, Kosovo’s membership is against UEFA’s statutes.

“The foundations of European soccer were shaken today. This could lead to serious divisions in the continent’s competitions,” Serbian ruling party official Marko Djuric said. “They can only dream that our fight is over and that their UEFA membership is definite.”

In Kosovo, the impoverished state of some two million people, there was an outpouring of joy after the UEFA decision.

“Best news! Kosovo is the newest member of UEFA,” Kosovo President Hashim Thaci wrote on his Twitter page. “Thank you all those who voted ‘yes’ for our children and youth co compete in football.”

Kosovo has sought international recognition through sports since declaring independence. UEFA supported Kosovo’s case after resisting previous efforts by FIFA in 2012 to let its national and club teams play opponents from other countries.

Tuesday’s decision means Kosovo’s national team may play internationals against other European sides, and that it and its clubs can enter European competitions.

Kosovo could now be fast-tracked into FIFA and the 2018 World Cup qualifying program. The country needs to be accepted as a FIFA member before it can enter a qualifying group.

FIFA’s ruling council meets in Mexico City on Monday, and can send Kosovo’s application for a decision by the FIFA congress four days later.

___

AP Writer Pablo Gorondi contributed.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.