The President of the Football Association, Armand Duka, gave an interview to Gazeta Telegraf with journalist Agron Kaja, where he discussed the progress of the Albanian football championship, AFA investments in improving sports infrastructure, and the National Team’s performance in EURO 2024 and the Nations League.
Here is the full interview:
– Albanian football will “pause” for three weeks; how do you describe its journey across all categories?
– These three weeks of break give us time to reflect on everything we’ve been through during the year we are closing. Albanian football has had both achievements and challenges, from the national team’s success in qualifying for EURO 2024 to the strong rivalry in the “Abissnet Superiore” and the First Division. It’s a year that has challenged us, but it has also shown an increasingly higher level of professionalism and commitment.
There is certainly much work to be done, but I must say that there has been progress in all areas, not only in terms of competition levels but also in infrastructure, mass participation in football, and getting more boys and girls involved in this magical sport.
– What factors, in your opinion, have influenced the development of Albanian football?
– The development has been influenced by several key factors. The rivalry between teams has increased, and that is a positive thing. On the other hand, we have challenged ourselves with better organization and invested in infrastructure.
However, there is still work to be done to improve the fan experience and help teams improve their performance. Despite the efforts of the entire football community to push forward the development of our game, we must also keep in mind the social context of our country and the challenges faced by Albanians, which in some ways also reflect on football.
– In “Abissnet Superiore”, 2024 ended with Dinamo at the top, and in the First Division, with Vora leading. Does this indicate a dominance from the capital?
– Undoubtedly, the leadership of the two main championships by Dinamo and Vora shows an increase in the teams from the capital, and in fact, it is an example that clearly demonstrates that when you work with a project, strategy, and vision, results come. This is a reflection of the investments and good organization of these clubs.
However, I must emphasize that Albanian football has not only seen progress from the capital’s clubs. We also have teams from other cities that have grown significantly, and if we look at the provisional rankings of these leagues, it is clear that there is rivalry and great potential from all teams.
– Referring to the standings of “Abissnet Superiore” after 19 rounds, what are the light and dark sides of it?
– The positive aspect is certainly the high level of rivalry and the exciting matches that almost all teams have offered this season. If I had to highlight the issues, they mainly relate to the inconsistency of some teams and the challenges related to infrastructure, for which we are constantly working with all actors to improve at all levels. Nonetheless, I believe we are on the right track to address these issues.
– In the First Division, there are three main contenders in the standings. Could this lead to a “Final 3” in this category?
– This category has turned into a very attractive competition, and the fact that we have three main contenders for the top position is a strong signal that the level is rising in this league as well. A “Final 3” could be a fantastic scenario to give this league more value and excitement until the final matches of the season. However, in the First Division, there are still plenty of other teams that could compete for the top position, keeping the race alive.
– During 2024, Albanian fans have been somewhat “absent without reason.” Do you see it this way?
– I touched upon this topic earlier, and perhaps this is influenced by other social factors that are not directly related to the level of football. I am convinced that with the increase in competition, fans will gradually return to the stadiums. Perhaps more work needs to be done by the clubs in this regard to improve the climate and relationships with the fans. The matches and rivalries this season have been of a very good level, and it is truly a pity that there are not more fans in the stadiums to support their favorite teams.
– Do you consider the pitches and stadiums as key factors in this calendar year that is coming to a close?
– Yes, infrastructure is a key factor. We have made progress with several important projects, but there is still much to be done because it is a process that requires continuous effort. It is not enough just to build a new pitch or stadium; we must work hard on their ongoing maintenance to have the right infrastructure.
– Specifically, how many football pitches have been built by AFA during this year (2024)?
– We have built 17 football pitches, completed 2 stadium reconstructions, and carried out 5 projects to improve sports infrastructure.
AFA has assisted and continues to support clubs with pitches and stadiums, both through investments and the ongoing “100 Pitches” project, as well as in the area of maintenance through our expertise.
Modern stadiums and quality pitches are essential for the development of football.
– As we start the winter transfer market, what do you suggest for the teams in general?
– In the winter transfer market, revolutions cannot be made, only small interventions. My suggestion would be for teams to focus on strategic reinforcements, not just numbers. They need players who fit the team’s philosophy and who can make a difference.
At the same time, there should be more trust in the young players coming through the academies and more opportunities for them to showcase their talents.
– How would you describe the role and contribution of AFA during the calendar year of 2024?
– AFA has played a significant role in the development of football, investing in infrastructure, education, and the promotion of the sport. We have done a lot in terms of training coaches through our educational programs, developing children’s football, youth national teams, women’s football, and social responsibility. We have hosted and successfully organized 13 international youth tournaments in Albania, where 30 European national teams were accommodated, trained, and played matches in our country.
– What preparations is AFA making for hosting the UEFA U-17 European Championship finals?
– We are preparing to host the UEFA U-17 European Championship finals in 2025. This will be the first international tournament of this level to be held in Albania, and I am confident it will be a success story. I should also mention the organization of several important UEFA meetings held in Tirana under the auspices of AFA, and next September, we will host the UEFA Executive Committee meeting for the first time in Albania.
– In terms of figures, what are some other achievements of AFA during this year?
– Another major achievement was the launch of the Elite Youth Academy project in collaboration with UEFA, which aims to develop young talents and lay the foundations for a bright future for Albanian football.
Throughout this year, the Association has organized 154 national and regional championships, with the participation of 353 clubs, associations, and schools. We have organized a total of 14,670 football matches with 23,171 registered players, 2,820 more than in 2023.
– The national team went through two stages in 2024, from the final stages of the European Championship “Germany 2024” to elimination in the Nations League. What is your assessment?
– The EURO 2024 finals were a historic achievement, with the national team qualifying for the second time in history for the biggest tournament in Europe. It was a dignified performance against three of the biggest teams on the continent, and the fans also gave a fantastic performance in the stands, creating unforgettable emotions. It was an extraordinary experience for everyone, and I think we all enjoyed it very much.
– In the Nations League, did we fail or were we just unlucky in qualifying?
Not a failure! But the Nations League showed us that we still have work to do. In fact, the national team performed well, finishing the group with 7 points and staying in the race for second place until the final seconds. We were just one goal away from achieving that, a goal we could have scored in the second half of the last match against Ukraine, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. We ended up last in a group where the rivalry was very high.
We have nothing else to do but learn from our mistakes and continue on the path of progress.
– As we close the calendar year of 2024, what is your message for Albanian football?
– I hope that next year will bring even more successes, progress, and joy to all those who love Albanian football. Together, we can achieve even more. Happy New Year!
