Marciniak in Tirana: We dream of having a Federation like this in Poland

2025-05-12 15:35:00, Sport CNA

World-renowned referee Szymon Marciniak, two assistants Bartosz Heinig and Marek Arys, as well as VAR referee Pawe? Malec, have arrived in Tirana, where tonight they will officiate the grand final for the championship title, between Vllaznia and Egnatia.

Marciniak and the group of referees were welcomed by the Head of the Arbitration Department at the Albanian Football Association, Sokol Jareci, and representatives of the Albanian Football Association. This morning they visited the premises of the “House of Football”, where they were introduced to the latest investments and developments in the Albanian football infrastructure.

During the visit, they saw up close the training fields, the National Team's training center, the internal administration facilities, the AFF museum, where they had the opportunity to learn about the history of Albanian football, as well as the premises of the permanent center for the VAR system, where work is being done to make it functional from the new season.

Marciniak and the referees also met with the Vice President of the Albanian Football Association, Lutfi Nuri, the Secretary General of the Albanian Football Association, Ilir Shulku, the Administrative Director of the Albanian Football Association, Aldi Topçiu, and the coach of the Albanian National Team, Silvinjo.

In a short statement for fshf.org, the Polish referee expressed the highest praise for the "House of Football" and made a call for all young Albanians to join refereeing through the "Become a Referee" campaign.

"I am really very impressed. This is our dream in Poland, to have a federation like this. First of all, it is very difficult to find a place in the city center, like you have done. But you have it all, training grounds for the players, museums, a rich history and a bright future.

I am even more impressed with the VAR Center you have created, which is also part of our plans and we hope to complete next year.

All that remains for me is to congratulate you and wish you all the best for the future. Because, as we know, a beautiful federation and a modern center are important, but we always need a great success to make everyone happy.

This is a worldwide challenge, we need more and more young referees. So this is a message to you, young boys and girls: put aside your computers and phones. Pick up a ball, start playing and then become a referee!

You can be part of the biggest football events in the world. I myself am a good example, I have been part of the World Cup, the Champions League, the Club World Cup final and I have had the opportunity to see the greatest players like Messi, Ronaldo and others up close. And believe me, I didn't pay for tickets and I had the best seat in the stadium! You can travel the world, do what you love and be part of football.

You also have good examples in Albania, good referees and instructors. Everything is ready, don't be lazy. Come and try to become a referee! "BECOME A REFEREE" - said Szymon Marciniak in the statement for fshf.org

The final of the “Abissnet Superiore” championship, Vllaznia – Egnatia, will take place today at 20:00, at the “Arena Kombëtare”. An enthusiastic atmosphere is expected from the fans of both teams. Tickets are still on sale online at ebileta.al and physically at the ticket office near the “Arena Kombëtare” stadium.