FIFA’s ruling Council has today paved the way for Gibraltar and Kosovo to become the 210th and 211th members of world football’s governing body after they recommended the Congress accept their respective applications.

Kosovo’s acceptance into UEFA was blasted by Serbia, which they gained independence from in 2008.Gibraltar

Italian wildcard Marco Cecchinato gave 10th seed Milos Raonic a scare on the opening day of the Italian Open in Rome, but the Canadian eventually emerged as a three-set winner.

7-6, 7-6.The majority of the top seeds, including yesterday’s Madrid Open winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia

France ended their home European Karate Championships in style as they clinched double gold to finish at the summit of the medals table in Montpellier today.

delight of the home crowd inside the arena.Bronze in the team kumite went the way of the teams from Serbia

Italy's Paolo Barelli has been re-elected President of the European Swimming Federation (LEN) by a thumping 50-vote margin at a heated Elective Congress here today.

Rune Eknes of Norway, Fernando Carpena of Spain, Marco Stacchiotti of Luxembourg, Aleksandar Sostar of Serbia

Britain's defending champion Andy Murray secured his place in the quarter-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open after recording a convincing victory over France’s Gilles Simon at the Caja Mágica today. 

 World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the winner of the event in 2011, had no problems in

The Euroleague has seemingly offered an olive branch to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as efforts to heal the rift in the sport continue.

the other at the European Commission.Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia

Spain’s Rafael Nadal got his Mutua Madrid Open campaign off to an ideal start as the home favourite raced to a straight sets victory over Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov at Manolo Santana today.

overcame Spain’s Nicolas Almagro 6-2, 6-2, to earn the right to face world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Kosovo has been accepted as the 55th member of UEFA, opening the door for the country to apply for FIFA recognition. 

annual Congress voted 28-24 in favour of Kosovo, whose election was strongly opposed by neighbouring Serbia

“Autonomy” is among the top words of today in sporting circles. This has chiefly concerned National Olympic Committees and ensuring they are free of Government interference. But in recent weeks we have also seen the emergence of conflict on several fronts between established sporting events and unsanctioned rivals.

This culminated last month when 14 teams - including regional powerhouses Russia, Serbia, Lithuania

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Europe has asked countries under threat of being banned for more assurances as the rift in the sport on the continent rumbles on.

August's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia

developments in the former Yugoslavia" and feedback from Federations in the region.Clubs from Serbia

in July.In a further complexity, two of these tournaments are due to be played in affected countries Serbia

Italian basketball player Andrea Bargnani has featured in the latest promotional video for Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

agreement with ECA.Eight countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia

Slovenia and Spain - have leagues or clubs which have entered into an agreement with the ECA.Italy, Serbia

Greece, Serbia and Italy preserved their 100 per cent records to remain top of their respective groups

Reigning world champions Serbia faced Spain in Barcelona, winning 14-13 to stay top of Group B.Montenegro

The Olympic Aquatics Stadium will be the focus of attention when the Rio 2016 water polo test event takes place this week.

following the conclusion of the final qualification tournament in Trieste in Italy.World champions Serbia

Olympic silver medallists Spain are among a group of countries still in danger of missing this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced their "full support" of FIBA Europe's decision to ban 14 teams.

Games, they warned.Eight countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia

Ilana Kratysh has become the first-ever female wrestler from Israel to qualify for the Olympic Games. 

Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.Kratysh, defeated at the European qualifier last week in Zrenjanin in Serbia