The ceremony for the presentation of FIFA badges for the year 2026 to male and female referees of Albanian football was held today.
This was an event of historic importance, as for the first time Albanian football is represented on the international stage by 21 referees and assistants, the highest number in the history of Albanian refereeing.
Six referees have been certified with the FIFA badge for 2026: Enea Jorgji, Juxhin Xhaja, Eldorjan Hamiti, Florjan Lata, Emanuela Rusta, and Eglantina Pjetrushaj. In addition, Kreshnik Barjamaj has been certified with the FIFA badge as a VAR referee.
The assistant referees with FIFA badges are Denis Rexha, Ridiger Cokaj, Ilir Tartaraj, Rejdi Avdo, Arbër Zalla, Erind Burgu, Marjus Qose, Edjena Kapxhiu, Koleta Prenga, and Mirjeta Sella. For the first time, Marjo Shazivari and Jena Mala have received the FIFA badge as assistant referees.
Albanian football is also represented in futsal with two FIFA referees. Following Arlind Subashi, this season Albano Stolaj has also earned the FIFA badge.
At this event, organized by BASHF and the Refereeing Sector, those present included the President of the Football Federation, Armand Duka, the Head of the Refereeing Sector, Sokol Jareci, the President of BASHF, Tahir Kastrati, and the Secretary General of BASHF, Klajdi Kola.
The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, described the awarding of the FIFA badge to Albanian referees as recognition of their many years of work and contribution, emphasizing that this success is not only individual, but also a representation of the entire refereeing body and of Albanian football as a whole.
President Duka stressed the importance of referees with FIFA badges representing the country with dignity on the international stage, being fair and consistent in their decisions, and serving as a positive example at all levels of football, especially for young people.
“Today is a special day for those who will receive the FIFA badge. It is recognition of their many years of work and contribution, of their quality and of what they have given to Albanian football. I would like to sincerely congratulate those who have achieved this. It is truly an individual contribution, but also the contribution of all referees who have produced a refereeing class on the international stage, in the largest number in the history of Albanian football.
It is an individual title, but I would also consider it a representation of our football. I strongly ask that those of you who hold the badges, or are receiving them for the first time to represent Albanian football on the international stage, represent our football with dignity, enhance its image, and be exactly as deserving internationally as you have been in the national championship—fair and consistent in your decisions on the field of play.
This is very important because together we can all contribute to the growth of football, to improving the perception of our football. This is not simply about having a title or praise, but about becoming a positive example so that we have more referees and more football in Albania.
I wish great success to those who continue and retain the badge, and since we are gathered here, I would like to take the opportunity to convey a message: we must be fair, and the entire refereeing body must be an example in the national championship and in all competitions. What I want to emphasize for you, regarding the example you must set and the message you must pass on to young people and others, is that we must be uniform, consistent, fair, and show maximum respect at all levels of football matches, especially in youth competitions,” said President Duka.
