When coach Beslan Adschindschal chases his footballers around the field, it is not to send them to Moscow for the World Cup. He is the coach of the football club "FK Dynamo Sukhumi". That is to fight for the world title in London: at the CONIFA World Football Championship.

From Abkhazia to Northern Cyprus, non-recognised states, autonomous territories as well as minorities play here for the World Cup title. And Abkhazia became CONIFA World Champions in 2016 - and at home. This has increased the national pride of the autonomous republic. Much to Georgia's chagrin. Because under international law, Abkhazia is part of Georgia. Only five sovereign states have recognised the republic. It is therefore not possible for Abkhazia to become a member of FIFA.

In order to offer areas like Abkhazia that are not recognised under international law an alternative to FIFA, the football umbrella association CONIFA was founded in 2013. The German Sascha Düerkop has been involved from the beginning and is Secretary General.

The 2018 tournament in London is supposed to be the highlight of his career. But it is not yet certain whether defending champion Abkhazia will play in London. Time and again, Georgia tries to prevent the breakaway region from taking part in CONIFA in order to present itself to the world as an independent republic.

In 2014, it worked. The athletes did not get an entry visa to Hungary. Georgia exerted pressure. Critics also accuse CONIFA of promoting separatism. And so this year's competition is not free of political disputes.