International Amateur Boxing Association Accepts Kosovo

The international governing body for amateur boxing has accepted Kosovo for provisional membership, according to a statement on the organization's website.

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) said the AIBA executive board made the decision at its current meeting in Bangkok, and Kosovo's permanent status will have to be ratified at a subsequent membership conference.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has since been seeking recognition by international organizations, including athletic federations.

Kosovo has been recognized by 91 nations and six amateur sporting federations, including the AIBA.

In May, the international governing body of soccer, FIFA, approved Kosovo for friendly international matches against its 208 members.

Europe's governing soccer organization, UEFA, and the soccer federation of Serbia opposed the FIFA decision.