Here's a link to an article which combines two of my favourite topics of conversation - football and unrecognised nations.
Its about a friendly that took place a few weeks ago between Padania (essentially Northern Italy) and Tibet. Its all part of the build up to the VIVA World Cup, which is basically an international football tournament for 'nations' which aren't recognised by FIFA. Some are unrecognised for political reasons, such as Northern Cyprus, others for geographical ones, like the Roma people. Because, hey, why should the UN get to say who plays football?
The first VIVA World Cup was held in 2006 in Occitania (Southern France, a bit of the Alps in Italy, Monaco, and a bit of Catalunya). Three teams took part, and the tournament was won by Sápmi, who represent the Sami people of what is basically the Arctic.
As a result they will be hosting the 2008 tournament under the midnight sun. My money would be on Tibet, but I reckon their defending is probably too passive. BOOM BOOM!
There's also the ELF Cup for non recognised nations. Its inaugral tournament took place in 2006 in Northern Cyprus and was won by the hosts who beat Crimea (region of Ukraine) 3-1 in the final.
For me details check out the Nouvelle Federation website.
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