In recent days, more and more in the center of media has been the game of October 14th Serbia-Albania and debates about participation or not of the Albanian fans’ in Belgrade. The President Mr. Armand Duka in an interview to the official website of the AFF, clarifies unequivocally his position and the position of institution he represents regarding this issue.
The third match in group for the national team of Albania, will be played in Belgrade on October 14th. What are the preparations for this match beyond the media speculation?
Of course, it is a very important match from the sport point of view, for more that now we have won the first game out in a very strong group. From a security standpoint, it may seem problematic, but I am confident that they are all problems that can overcome with cooperation and good desire to see football spectacle.
The Serbian Federation, as organizer of the activity, is under pressure from the Local Police, who want this match with no spectators to avoid any possible incident. What is the opinion of the President of the AFF about this?
I’m thinking that as Albanian fans in Belgrade, as well as Serbian fans in Elbasan should be present in the stadium. Football is a sport that is played for the fans and they provide to it a special charm. Ultimately, the football is played for them and they are an inseparable part of the game. So, it would be better that if they are present in both games.
However the historical disputes between Albanians and Serbians can affect emotionally the fans in the match. What do you think?
First I reiterate, it is simply a football match. On the other hand, I think that the gaps created by time and history, should be closed and not to deepen more. We are two European nations that nourish the same aspirations, to enter the EU and I think we have the required culture to behave like civilized people of Europe.
Albanian Fans have expressed a desire and willingness to be in Belgrade and to support their national team. What do you think about this?
As I said above, I am of the opinion that both fans should follow the match in Belgrade as well as in Elbasan. I must stress to all opinion inside and outside Albania, the Albanian fans have never caused trouble and did not cause violence, wherever they have gone. They have been always correct with their behaviour and I get a chance to congratulate them and give support to the national team.
What about the arrival of Serbian fans in Elbasan, what do you think?
I guarantee that we will expect them in the most possible correct way, with maximum safety and against them it will not be created any incident. Spirit of Fair Play will be prevalent not only in the field but also in the spectators tribunes. These are football matches, which must be lived as celebrations and not as an arena to vent against each other.
