In his speech delivered at the Ordinary Electoral General Assembly, President Armand Duka presented a comprehensive overview of the achievements, challenges, and strategic objectives of the Albanian Football Asociation, emphasizing that the institution is entering a new phase of consolidation and sustainable growth.
President Duka highlighted the Federation’s financial stability, over €16 million invested in sports infrastructure, the expansion of competitions across the country, the increase in the number of registered players and certified professionals, as well as growing trust from international football institutions such as UEFA and FIFA.
He underlined the social and economic impact of football, describing it as a powerful instrument for social development and a sector with real economic potential, generating tens of millions of euros annually for the country. He stressed the importance of adopting a sponsorship law, increasing fan attendance in stadiums, and securing greater institutional support for sports infrastructure, considering sport a public priority. He also pointed to the progress of the national teams, Albania’s expanded representation within UEFA and FIFA structures, and the successful organization of major European events that have enhanced the country’s sporting image internationally.
In conclusion, President Duka stated that the strategy “Vision to Victory 2026–2030” will serve as the roadmap for the development of Albanian football in the coming years, focusing on quality, transparency, inclusion, and financial sustainability. He added that future successes will depend on the cooperation of the entire football community and the preservation of institutional unity.
Below is the full speech delivered by President Armand Duka at the General Electoral Assembly of the Albanian Football Asociation:
“Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Blendi Gonxhe,
Honourable Vice President of UEFA and President of the Italian Football Federation, Mr. Gabriele Gravina,
Honourable UEFA Director of National Associations Development, Mr. Denis Bastari,
Honourable FIFA Director of Member Associations, Mr. Elkhan Mahmadov, and Regional Coordinator for Europe, Mr. Marco Ferri,
Distinguished representatives of institutions,
Dear friends, partners, sponsors and media representatives,
Honourable members of FSHF,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for attending today’s General Assembly of the Albanian Football Asociation, whose importance is unquestionable for the Albanian football community and for all those who believe that sport—especially football—is a powerful tool for social development, education and unity.
The General Assembly is the place where we reflect responsibly, where we take stock—not only financially but of all our activities—and where we clearly define our vision and objectives for the future.
What unites us is our passion and love for the beautiful game. But to develop it, to bring it closer to people and to expand our community, passion alone is not enough.
Desire is not enough. Work alone is not enough.
Work and dedication produce results only when accompanied by professionalism, efficiency in decision-making and clear institutional organization. Only when we are united, supportive and focused in the same direction do our positive energies translate into concrete development.
And this is precisely where our strength lies: in the unity, solidarity and positivity that have accompanied us at every stage of our journey.
We are part of a game founded on respect—respect for the rules, for the opponent, for teammates and for differing opinions. Football is passion and emotion; reactions after a match are natural. But neither differing views nor emotionally driven statements have ever undermined our institutional foundations.
Because our foundations are not fragile. They are built on responsibility, transparency and a clear long-term vision for the development of Albanian football.
The reports presented today will show that the efficiency of FSHF’s management in 2025 has matched its most successful periods: financial stability, sustainable investments, infrastructure development and support for football at every level are tangible results—not mere statements.
Football does not grow through momentary emotion, but through strategy, planning and sustainability.
Our championships have changed significantly. Today they are more numerous and spread across the entire territory of Albania, both nationally and regionally. We may be the only federation in Europe that not only organizes all professional and amateur competitions but also covers all related costs, including referees, delegates, observers, match officials and now VAR technology—an additional significant cost for FSHF.
We also fully finance footballs at all competition levels and 95% of match and training kits for players across the country.
Each week, hundreds of matches are played nationwide, reaching over 600 during peak periods. Today, 27,866 individuals are registered in our system—players, coaches, referees and observers—with 24,183 registered players, more than ever before.
This is concrete proof of our commitment to the beautiful game at all levels.
Professional championships such as Abissnet Superiore and the First Division have delivered genuine sporting rivalry. The “Final 4” format in Abissnet Superiore has increased intensity, media interest and sporting value, creating a worthy season climax aligned with European standards.
However, beyond organizational progress, increasing stadium attendance remains a shared challenge. Football finds its true meaning when stands are alive. This is a collective responsibility of the Federation, clubs and all football stakeholders.
Infrastructure remains a major priority. Over the last four years, €16,503,145 have been invested in infrastructure projects, resulting in 40 new pitches and the reconstruction or ongoing renovation of seven stadiums nationwide. Yet Albania still has one football pitch per 18,981 inhabitants, compared to the European average of one per 3,800—highlighting the need for a national sports strategy.
Professional education has also become a cornerstone of development. With full UEFA recognition, we have certified:
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216 UEFA Pro coaches
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563 UEFA A coaches
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828 UEFA B coaches
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497 UEFA C coaches
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377 other football professionals across various disciplines
Internationally, Albania now counts 21 FIFA-badged referees, multiple UEFA and FIFA representatives, and growing institutional presence—proof of international trust.
We have successfully organized major events, including the first UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022, the 2025 U-17 European Championship finals, and preparations for the 2027 U-21 European Championship.
Football’s social dimension is equally important. In 2025 alone, six social impact initiatives were implemented, alongside structured volunteer programs involving around 100 volunteers.
Our national teams remain the most visible symbol of our work. Albania now has 15 national teams, for both boys and girls. The women’s national team competes in UEFA Nations League League B and reached the Euro 2025 play-offs. The men’s national team has become a national symbol, having participated in two European Championships and now aiming for World Cup qualification.
Financially, FSHF has grown from a €200,000 annual budget in its early days to over €30 million today. Federation-owned assets now amount to approximately €90 million, reflecting institutional stability and long-term vision.
The “Vision to Victory 2026–2030” strategy sets measurable objectives for quality, transparency, inclusion and financial sustainability. Albanian football generates approximately €100 million annually in economic impact, yet receives back only around 0.2%, highlighting the need to treat football as a serious development sector.
In closing, President Duka emphasized:
“Albanian football has taken significant steps forward, but we have not yet reached where we want to be. The phase of rapid growth must now be followed by consolidation. The coming years require more cooperation and less artificial conflict; more professionalism and less improvisation.
Football is not property. It is responsibility.
The Federation is ready to lead this process, but success is collective. The future of Albanian football will be built not through rhetoric, but through work, seriousness and unity.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. I wish this Assembly success and continued progress for Albanian football.”
