Kosovo, Spain object to UEFA's move on Gibraltar

GENEVA (AP) UEFA's decision to give Gibraltar provisional membership ahead of a full acceptance vote has met opposition in Kosovo and Spain.

Kosovo football federation president Fadil Vokkri says in a statement that UEFA showed a "double standard" by obstructing its cause for recognition while advancing the cause of a "non-independent territory" like Gibraltar with "embryonic" football tradition.

UEFA's decision Monday on Gibraltar, a British territory on Spain's southern tip, came three days after FIFA delayed confirming details of which Kosovan teams can play international matches.

UEFA has opposed Kosovo's claim for football independence because the Balkan republic is not yet recognized by the United Nations.

In Spain, Sports Minister Jose Ignacio Wert says he hopes "provisional acceptance of Gibraltar won't become permanent."

UEFA's 53 member nations vote in London next May.

Updated October 2, 2012