Granit Xhaka’s father, Ragip, has hit out at people calling his son a ‘traitor’ for not switching from Switzerland to Kosovo.
As we reported on Monday, Xhaka Snr confirmed that it would not be possible for Granit to make the move, but this has, seemingly, not gone down well in Kosovo.
Speaking to the media, and picked up by sites in Albania, Ragip tried to clarify Granit’s situation as his initial comments were easy to misunderstand.
“Granit is definitely not allowed by FIFA to play for Kosovo,” he said.
“FFK [Football Federation Kosovo] 15 days ago sent the list to FIFA and it is confirmed.
“According to information I received from my lawyer, who has asked FIFA, it was announced that players who are part of the Swiss representative have special status.
“I have asked the chief of FFK to offer and talk with the Swiss Federation to find a choice and if I have the right then we will we started procedures. But we could not hand over an individual request when FIFA has not clarified the situation.
“If the demands of Granit are rejected, I say with full conviction that Switzerland would never have opened the door. But when we look on the other hand, if he had the right to play, do not turn this back from Switzerland.
“It is true that I said that my two boys will play for Kosovo, but it is totally the opposite [that is] declared by FIFA.
“All those who have said that Granit is a traitor, are [traitors] themselves.”
From this is seems very clear that Granit does want to play for Kosovo which is surely going to make his position with Switzerland, whom he is currently on international duty with, rather awkward.
Another report in Albania claims that the reason Xhaka was not voted as the Swiss player of the year (it went to Yann Sommer) was because of his desire to play for Kosovo.
Things could be about to get very messy indeed.