Kosovo Denied National Symbols at European Golf Championship in Cyprus, Federation Refuses to Participate

The Kosovo Golf Federation will not participate in the 2026 European Senior Championship, which begins today in Paphos, Cyprus.

This is due to a decision by the Cypriot state authorities, backed by the country’s Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, which says that Kosovo cannot appear with its national symbols.

The KGF expressed its deep regret over this decision and announced that, under these conditions, it would not participate in the championship at all.

“On May 27, 2026, just a few days before the championship, we were informed that, due to a decision by the state authorities of Cyprus, backed by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Kosovo would not be allowed to appear with its national symbols on an equal footing with the other participating states. Specifically, the national flag of the Republic of Kosovo would not be allowed to be displayed at the competition venue in the same way as the flags of the 28 other participating states,” the KGF said.

The Federation said that, based on this decision, Kosovo’s team would not agree to participate in international competitions “under unequal conditions and without the right to represent the state with its identity and official symbols”.