FIFA on Monday approved 16 foreign-based soccer players to represent Kosovo just hours ahead of the their first competitive match in a World Cup qualifier against Finland.

    Kosovo became the 210th member of FIFA in May, but the Balkans outfit’s historic match has been marred by questions over who will be allowed to play for the team.

    According to FIFA’s rules, someone who has played for another national team cannot normally switch allegiance. A number of Kosovo’s potential players applied individually for special permission.

    FIFA said it had approved applications from 15 players who had previously turned out for other countries including seven who had played for Albania.

    Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. About 100 countries recognize it as a state now, but major countries like Russia do not.

    (SD-Agencies)