Full acceptance is therefore expected to be a formality when the IOC membership decide during their Extraordinary General Assembly in Monte Carlo on December 8 and 9.

Speaking here in Bangkok today following an ANOC Executive Council meeting, Sheikh Ahmad confirmed that the umbrella organisation for National Olympic Committees would automatically follow the IOC decision.

No recognition, however, will be granted until after the IOC Session, with a two-person Kosovo Olympic Committee delegation, led by longstanding President Besim Hasani, attending the ANOC General Assembly on Friday and Saturday (November 7 to 8) as "observers".

Speaking alongside Sheikh Ahmad, ANOC vice-president Patrick Hickey confirmed that, providing the IOC membership vote in favour, the nation will be permitted to compete in the inaugural European Games in Baku next June.

Kosovo will also then become a member of the European Olympic Committees, the continental body headed by Hickey.

Kosovo Olympic Committee President Besim Hasani is leading the country's delegation to Bangkok. The nation is set to compete at both Baku 2015 and Rio 2016 ©ITG



The general decision regarding Kosovo, although very popular in many quarters, is not without opposition.

Although 108 of the 193 United Nations member states officially recognise the country, many, including Serbia, Russia and China, remain staunchly opposed, with the Serbian Olympic Committee protesting the decision soon after recognition was announced. 

Less than half of the 28 International Federations that make up the Summer Olympics recognise Kosovo, although many are expected to follow the IOC's lead and grant acceptance over coming months, meaning athletes will compete under the country's flag at Rio 2016.

ANOC head Sheikh Ahmad, who also leads the OCA, has voiced his support for Kosovo in the past, along with other leading figures in international sport, including SportAccord and International Judo Federation chief, Marius Vizer, as well as IOC boss Thomas Bach. 

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