Norway – Belarus (LIVE STREAM)

Valon Berisha has decided to play for Kosovo, while his brother Veton continues on the Norwegian national team.

Both players were on Monday taken out in Norway’s A-team squad meets Belarus on 31 August and Germany on September 4.

It happened after a close dialogue with the national team, and the brothers confirmed last week that they would play for Norway and was then informed that they would be left out of the squad.

– I and the family has strong feelings for both Norway and Kosovo, but I feel an extra connection to Kosovo after it became an independent nation and I have a big family there. At the same time it meant a lot to me and Veton playing for Norway where we are born and raised. Therefore we have chosen to represent each our country, says Valon Berisha, who has played 20 caps for Norway, and adds:

– There are strong feelings and a very difficult choice to make. Therefore, I changed my mind after a famileråd, which I hope everyone respects.

Kosovo was recognized as an independent state in 2010, and football became a member of UEFA and FIFA in May this year. Kosovo will take part in this autumn’s World Cup qualifying.

– I’ve always been aware that this has been a very difficult decision for Valon, Veton and the rest of the family, and has great respect for the election. We want to thank Valon for their efforts and wish him every success with national team play for Kosovo. Meanwhile, we rejoice that Veton plays for Norway, says coach coaching staff.

Landslagssledelsen will consider whether it is brought in a new player in the squad that meets Belarus and Germany next week.