Braçe explodes: KOKSH does not produce results, let's support football

2026-01-28 16:19:00, Sport CNA

Braçe explodes: KOKSH does not produce results, let's support

While football remains the only sector that continues to clean up Albania's image in the international arena, government support for the sport remains at zero. The paradox deepens when you see that millions of euros in citizens' taxes are poured into the accounts of the Albanian National Olympic Committee every year, without producing any concrete results or sporting products.

This dubious management of public funds has brought a harsh reaction from Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe, who during the last session in Parliament issued strong accusations against the Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, and the policies pursued in sports.

At the center of Braça's criticism was the Normative Act that provides for the distribution of funds, where KOKSH, led by Fidel Ylli, is once again the major beneficiary. The socialist MP pointed out that "the amount of 2.2 million euros allocated only for quotas and participation in activities is extremely high", especially when the sports product of this institution has been almost non-existent for years.

"We have been sending money to the Olympic Committee for several years and it must produce a product. Budgetary policies cannot be made according to the affection that anyone has for a certain sport: Blendi for padel, Taulant for boxing, or someone else for ping-pong," declared Brace with irony, directly hitting the personal preferences of cabinet members who dictate the destination of public money.

While elite sports like football, which managed to make Albania the headlines of the world media through two participations in the European Championship, are left to the mercy of fate. Braçe warned that the Super League is being kept alive only by the private investments of some presidents, while the state does not offer any facilities or funds.

"Football is one of the sports that is giving life to this country. The Super League is being held by some presidents with their money. If we are going to support, let's support this mass sport, not the sport according to the wishes of a minister," he added, noting that the money that goes to the KOKSH often ends up in the hands of "administrators'" clubs and not for the true development of the sport at the grassroots level.

The main criticism is related to the fact that the money is not distributed fairly. This "affection" of the government for sports like padel or ping-pong, at the expense of the most popular sport in the country, is being seen as a scandalous management that is seriously damaging the future of Albanian youth and sports.

Braçe was clear in his message, saying that public money should go where there is mass and results, and not be used as a crutch for friends of power under the slogan of KOKSH.