Armand Duka, President of the Albanian Football Association, spoke in an interview on TV Klan’s “Opinion” show about organizing the UEFA European U-17 Championship currently taking place in Albania. He said the idea to host such an important sporting event came thanks to major investments in sports infrastructure and the experience AFA has gained organizing international events.
President Duka also praised the close cooperation with UEFA and the contribution of Albanian volunteers, who have been key to the success of this event.
He described Euro U-17 as an important test for the future and a great opportunity to promote Albania on the international stage.
Below is the full interview with President Duka on “Opinion”:
Euro U-17 in Albania, how did the idea start?
Seeing the developments and changes in infrastructure and organizational experience, we thought, why not apply to host a final tournament of the UEFA European U-17 Championship. Considering the experience of the AFA administration, we applied for this final tournament, which is very important to us. It is one of the most important competitions UEFA organizes in Europe. From the application, the competition to win the right to organize the Euros, and the preparations, it’s an enormous amount of work — clearly led by UEFA’s administration but supported by a whole army of FSHF staff and volunteers who continue supporting the event.
Was Albania ready in terms of infrastructure?
With our financial contributions, we have renovated 10 training fields. It was a criterion that every team had to have at least one training ground available. We also prepared two additional fields as backups in case of bad weather or other issues. We improved 10 training grounds and 4 stadiums hosting the tournament matches. Less was needed at the National Arena because it is a new and fully equipped stadium. But a lot of work was done in Rrogozhinë, where we basically built a stadium from scratch with a capacity of 4,500 seats offering fantastic conditions. I watched Italy vs England at that stadium and was really pleased. I told the Mayor of Rrogozhinë that in three years, you will see players from here in big European teams, and you’ll say this footballer played in Rrogozhinë. It’s wonderful when some of the future stars of European football play in a modest city like Rrogozhinë. This is one of the beautiful things about this European Championship.
How has FSHF staff coordinated with UEFA’s team to ensure success?
It’s a huge operation, with more than 22 players on the pitch and an enormous staff behind the scenes. The AFA staff is now professional and does a great job. International UEFA experts have given us the highest marks.
Do you see this tournament as an important test for Albania to host future major events?
Absolutely. It is a great event for Albania and benefits Albanian football. The presence of young fans at these matches is better than at any other U-17 European Championship and is great for the development of football here. Young people don’t learn just by words but also by actions. Watching these games and stars playing in their cities will surely inspire many to want to become footballers. Even if 20% get inspired, that is a big success for us. Of course, it is a test, especially with the bigger and more demanding U-21 European Championship coming in 2027. But with the experience we are building and the expertise of the AFA staff — whom I sincerely thank for their excellent work — and the volunteers, who are a great asset supporting social and sporting events, I’m confident we will deliver. We are approaching the end of the U-17 tournament and I hope for a spectacular final at the National Arena with a full stadium, leaving a lasting mark in Albania’s history.
Do you think this event puts Albania in the spotlight?
Every event we host is a positive news story and promotion for Albania. This event helps promote Albania positively on the international stage.
The final is on June 1 — do you consider this experience a success for Albania?
“Albania 2025” U-17 Championship is one of the most beautiful events UEFA has organized so far, based on expert evaluations here in Tirana. I am confident the remaining days will be even better, with more emotions and larger crowds.
Which team surprised you the most?
There were no real surprises since the teams are among Europe’s best — France, England, Germany. I saw the France vs Portugal match at the National Arena, which was of the highest quality, just like senior teams. The real surprise is us — Albania’s participation in the European Championship.
Were you disappointed with our national team?
Not at all. What I told and advised our U-17 team is to enjoy the tournament because this is a wonderful event. Whatever they gain from this championship will serve them and their generation in the future.
Future stars among these teams?
Definitely. I see stars even in our team who I’m sure will contribute to the senior team. Other teams have almost established players, such as Lennart Karl from Germany who is part of Bayern Munich and Max Dowman from Arsenal — both wearing number 10. They have started playing with the first teams but are still young. Others can still emerge as future stars.
What impressions do you have of Albania?
We have spoken a lot with the teams’ staff and officials — not with players directly. They are very satisfied with everything they have seen and experienced — from training conditions, accommodation, and the overall organization — giving the highest praise.
Will the mascot continue beyond the Euro U-17?
The mascot was not a UEFA requirement but something created by AFA to honor the tournament and to keep it for future national team activities. We will continue with the mascot, though the Commercial and PR departments may update it while keeping the same national symbols.
Who do you support?
I only cheer for Albania, from U-10 to the Veterans team.
