This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The International Olympic Committee has granted full recognition to Kosovo, meaning the Balkan country can send an independent team to the 2016 Games in Rio.

The IOC made the decision on Tuesday, formally ratifying the provisional recognition granted in October by the executive board.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia has refused to accept the breakaway province’s independence. The move to give Olympic recognition to Kosovo had been opposed by Serbian officials.

Kosovo becomes the 205th national Olympic committee recognised by the IOC.