UEFA in Albania, Duka: They were amazed, excellent promotion for the country

2025-10-06 14:16:00, Sport CNA

President Armand Duka, in an interview with Bordo magazine, shared the emotions of the busy September period and his vision for the future of Albanian football.

He spoke about the historic event of the UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, describing it as a great promotion for Albania and a testament to the growth of the AFF's organizational capacities.

Mr. Duka, a few days ago, UEFA leaders arrived in Tirana for a rare meeting. How was this event, this historic meeting, for you as the head of the Albanian Football Association?

"The UEFA Executive Committee meeting, for the first time in Tirana, was a historic event for Albanian football and not only."

This comes following several important events where Albania has been put at the center of important football developments, such as the UEFA Conference League final in 2022, the EURO U17 finals that were held in June in 4 cities in Albania, the UEFA Media Committee, the UEFA National Associations Strategic Meeting, the UEFA Grassroots Panel, the SES Community Meeting, etc. Organizing and hosting such an event was an indicator of the growth of the AFF's organizational capacities and a very good opportunity to promote Albania.

The entire organization included a wonderful football festival with the participation of school children and world football legends, Luis Figo, Aljoša Asanovi?, UEFA President ?eferin, Silvinjo, Doriva, Zabaleta, Luçije Gjini and Jahmir Hyka. This was followed by a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee, a reception at the Prime Minister’s Office by Prime Minister Rama and an official dinner that brought a splendid panorama of Albanian art and traditions.”

Most of the UEFA members had never visited Albania and were surprised by the hospitality, some of them even had the opportunity to visit Kruja and take short walks around Tirana.”

What was its purpose and what opportunities will this meeting offer the AFF in the future?

"The UEFA Executive Committee meeting is an important event for European football, as very important decisions are made regarding football events, infrastructure investments and development projects in each country. At this meeting, decisions were made on the hosting of the Champions League final in 2027, the Champions League final for women, futsal, as well as some changes to the regulations for active footballers.

This event marks another major step for Albanian football within the framework of highly important football organizations, maintains bridges of cooperation with the European football government, and puts Albania on the front page of football discussions throughout Europe.

"To put it more clearly, it was an excellent promotion for Albania, as this meeting receives great attention from the international media, for the important decisions that are taken for the benefit of European football. This meeting could also be the starting point of another major event in the future for which we will announce our candidacy, for the European Super Cup in 2028."