Infantino: Agim Ademi is doing a lot for football; he knows how to touch the right feelings, the right emotions and the spirit of many players

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during an exclusive interview with FFK Podcast, also spoke about the leadership of FFK President Agim Ademi and the impact of FIFA and UEFA programmes on the development of Kosovan football.

“I have a very good relationship with Agim Ademi. I congratulate him on his first appointment as a member of FIFA’s Institutional Relations Committee. I have known him for many years and I know very well what he is doing for football. He is doing a lot, in an environment that is not always easy, let’s admit it. But he truly has his heart in the right place. He does his job together with his team with great passion. He knows how to touch the right feelings, the right emotions and the spirit of many players,” said FIFA’s No. 1.

Infantino also highlighted the influence of President Ademi and the FFK in integrating Kosovan footballers who were born abroad:

“I spoke with him earlier today about this phenomenon, about the many players from Kosovo who were born and raised abroad. Of course, there has been a lot of influence and many different stories. As you know, many of them played for the Swiss national team at a time when Kosovo had not yet been internationally recognised, for example Xherdan Shaqiri and others. They were among the best players who could have played for Kosovo, but at that time Kosovo was not recognised. But, you know, all these players feel a lot for Kosovo, because their parents had been forced to leave and integrate into another country. Nevertheless, they grew up with the roots of their country. And, you know, Agim, the Federation and the national team understand this and know how to touch those feelings. I think this is very important, because a country’s identity is something fundamental. We are friends with everyone, but we have to feel that our hearts beat for the country and the people of Kosovo. It is precisely this sense of pride that I would challenge you to keep alive,” Infantino added.

Speaking about the impact of international programmes, Infantino praised the work of the FFK and its role in developing football: “I think the impact that FIFA and UEFA have here in Kosovo is very great, but I must also say that we give every country the same budget; then it depends on the country how it uses it. The development of youth teams and talent will not come to fruition if we do not work for it and support it. The world is truly extraordinary because, of course, it is a young country, a country that is still being built. Football’s contribution to the country is very important. The Federation has done outstanding work, and I congratulate them on everything they have done so far. The next step should be cooperation between UEFA, FIFA and the government to invest in infrastructure and higher education for football,” he said.