On Christmas Day 1914 near Ypres, Belgium, on the Western Front the German and British soldiers laid down their arms and ceased fire for a while – and played football instead. This football match became afterwards a symbol of hope and humanity over adversity in the bleakest of times.

On 12^th December 2014, as part of this initiative a football match between Great Britain & Allies v. Germany & Allies took place in the Sports Palace in Pristina. The match ended in a draw 5:5, as opposed to the match played 100 years later when the German soldiers won. The teams were composed of KFOR soldiers deployed in Kosovo.

Ian Cliff, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kosovo on this occasion commented the Christmas match 100 years ago: “This was a remarkable example of how people to people connections can triumph in the midst of global conflict.” Angelika Viets, German Ambassador to Kosovo concluded by saying: “This match carries a message of reconciliation which is still important for the Balkans.” The remembrance match was, among others, attended by Brigadier General Anton Waldner, Deputy Commander KFOR, Austrian Ambassador Johannes Brieger and his spouse, and the Czech Ambassador Ivo Šilhavý.