On the festive evening of December 25, the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, was a guest on the program “Mirëmbrëma Yje”, hosted by Arbana Osmani, where he gave an extensive and special interview.
In an open and reflective conversation, he shared with the audience aspects of his personal life, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the development of Albanian football.
During the discussion, President Duka spoke about the day-to-day work at the helm of the Association, the progress of national football, and the ambition to qualify the Albanian National Team for the World Cup—an objective which, according to him, is based on continuous work and the team’s real potential.
Do you celebrate Christmas in your family?
– We take advantage of all holidays, and we do something for Christmas too, but not too much. In fact, we don’t take vacations; we celebrate with food and drinks, yes, but we don’t really have time for proper rest.
I’ve heard you sleep very little and never rest, is that true?
– It’s true that I sleep little. I don’t really rest, only a little.
When was the last time you took a vacation?
– In summer, yes, I take vacations. But winter vacations, or weekends, almost never. In summer, I try to take time off because I like the sea and enjoy it a bit.
How should I call you today so that you feel comfortable?
– In my family, they call me Mondi. If you call me Mondi, you’ll be doing me a favor.
I don’t think I’m wrong if I say you seem to enjoy food?
– That’s true, not only do I like food, but I don’t think there’s any food I dislike. I’m a perfect customer for any restaurant because I eat everything and enjoy it. But actually, what I see being prepared here seems to be the one I enjoy most, because it’s more traditional, and we have traditionally made pershesh at home.
Whenever I’ve come to watch matches in the stadium, I’ve enjoyed and appreciated the food. Does someone make sure the food is high quality there?
– Food is a priority for us. We care about offering high-quality service to those who come to the stadium, and ultimately, those who pay for their seats should get the same service. I’m glad you’ve liked it.
Where do you live?
– We’ve lived in Durrës for 30 years. I was born and raised in Shijak, while my wife, Suela, was born and raised in Durrës—she’s more of a city person than I am. In July, we celebrated 30 years together, and she had said that our contract here would end, and we’d see whether to renew it. We haven’t renewed it yet, and she said there’s an automatic renewal if we go to the World Cup. So the World Cup is very important to us—not just for the Association, but also for the family.
What do you think, what are our chances?
– Professionally speaking, we have a 25% probability, because there are four teams at the same level, and each has 25%. I have a lot of confidence and always have. My confidence is real, not just wishful thinking. It’s based on the level of our team and what we’ve achieved; the players on the field have all the opportunities.
If you compare it with 2016?
– The World Cup is something else; it’s much harder to qualify for than the European Championship. But once you reach the final tournament, the World Cup is slightly easier than the Euros because the European teams are really strong—the quality of football is higher in Europe. In the World Cup, only 16 European teams qualify, so the level of difficulty is even higher.
In the stadium, I enjoy the atmosphere most—in recent years, it seems a very beautiful atmosphere is created.
– You mean cultured people. We’re not fully at the desired level, but we’ve improved a lot, especially at the National Team matches. A nice environment is created that makes you want to be in the stadium stands. And when you win, it becomes even better. We’re still fighting to go to the World Cup. It’s something we haven’t achieved yet; all Albanians want to experience it, especially since it will take place in America, and we want to go there not as fans, but with the team.
How do you manage to negotiate, succeed, and convince anyone?
– I don’t know if I’ve convinced everyone, because there may be some I haven’t. One of them is my wife. She’s not very happy because, as I said, she hasn’t yet decided on renewing the contract for the coming years. Honestly, I haven’t had the chance to be a very good parent for my children. I know I should have done much more—not only because of football but also due to business and my commitments, I’ve spent very little time.
In a way, she has spent more time and educated the children more than I have. But I think I’ve educated them too because, in my philosophy, children aren’t educated just with words, but with example. I believe they’ve seen a positive example and have been educated well. I’ve tried to do everything right. Of course, I’ve been part of all the most important moments of their education and celebrations.
As I said, time hasn’t been enough. So she hasn’t given me a “diploma,” but in fact, my father told me that a wife never gives you a diploma—I don’t know if that’s true or not. I don’t know if you gave Edi a diploma. In my case, maybe she’s a little right, but they say that’s generally how it is.
What’s your relationship like with your grandchildren?
– At the match with England, we were at an official lunch, and the President of the English Football Association is a woman. I was showing her photos of my grandchildren. She has a 12-year-old son, and I said, “Do you know how you see me? You see me strangely, but when you have grandchildren, then you’ll understand.” This happens to everyone, and it happens to me too.
In my opinion, it’s a different age—you are less responsible with your own children because you’re young, and you are much more responsible with grandchildren. You enjoy them more. They say it’s “honey of honey.” I have three grandchildren: 4 years, 2 years, and 4 months old. They’re very beautiful.
Are you someone who maintains relationships with people?
– I try to be correct. I wouldn’t say I’m really “obsessed” with maintaining relationships because that’s a different type of person. But I am correct, even if sometimes distances are created in professional contacts or relationships. People haven’t really seen that negatively—on the contrary.
What advice would you give me if I want to preserve and extend my career as long as possible?
– I would repeat what I always say: dedication, hard work, and discipline.
Are compromises necessary?
– In general, life is compromise, and in a family, you’ll have to compromise. It depends if the compromise affects the main principle or not. That kind of compromise shouldn’t be made. Other compromises, for the sake of work and achieving goals, are necessary. I think they are positive and unavoidable compromises. Anyone who says otherwise, I think they are lying.
There have been many times when you were attacked, and I’m struck by how calm you remain. Why?
– I’m not someone who reacts immediately. Nowadays, when people get news, the first thing they do is grab the phone. I’m not like that. I try to process it, think about it, and then respond. I’ve never been a person who attacks others in my life, but I know how to defend myself. You stay calm when you know you are in the right, when you haven’t harmed anyone. When you’re at peace with yourself, you find calm. But if you’ve done something wrong, it’s hard to stay calm.
Have people ever disappointed you?
– Of course. And if I’ve disappointed someone too, maybe I have. Disappointment comes from expectations—someone might have expected more from me and didn’t get it, so they were disappointed. Whether they are right or wrong is a different question. In that sense, I’ve been disappointed by people from whom I expected more, whether in friendship or appreciation, which I didn’t give.
I’ve seen all your interviews, and I notice you’re very controlled.
– I don’t know if that’s true. Actually, I’m glad you noticed that in this meeting. I’ve also appreciated your work, I’ve watched all your shows. This kind of format tries to show people as they really are, but with so many cameras and direction, it’s not easy to reveal everything. Maybe some hidden cameras on TV can show a more real side.
Are you afraid of judgment from people or the media, of words taken wrongly?
– Of course. People are cautious when speaking in public. Expecting positive feedback makes a person more controlled, so they’re not 100% themselves. I try to be myself, I don’t know how well I succeed. I’m careful; I don’t always say exactly what I think if it could disrupt balance. I practice a kind of diplomacy, even in daily life, to not damage relationships. I’m careful, but I don’t distort the truth.
23 years as President of the Association. What has been your biggest personal challenge?
– Personal challenges in football are hard to separate from institutional challenges. When I started as President, it was a difficult time for Albania and even worse for football and the Association. It was a minimal institution, with almost no revenue, limited activities, almost no international representation, and the national teams’ results were always at the bottom.
How did you find yourself leading the Association 23 years ago?
– I was in business and had always been involved in sports, funding football in my hometown, Shijak, and in Durrës, where I live now. My whole family is sporty—my father was a footballer and coach, my brother a volleyball player. Naturally, I was involved in football, but I never had ambitions to lead a sports institution, let alone the Association. A friend of mine, who is no longer alive, proposed it to me. He respected how I conducted business and said I would do well. In the end, he convinced me, even though I hadn’t decided to run. A photo of me appeared in the newspaper as a candidate, and from there, I ran and was elected President.
At first, it seemed very difficult, but day by day, the work took over. These 23 years feel more like 23 days. I only take on things I like, and I’ve loved the job, seeing positive developments, kids playing football, and the impact on society. Football today influences people’s happiness greatly.
Do you have a favorite team in Albania?
– Everyone knows I was a Vllaznia fan, even before I met Myftar Çela or before he proposed me for President. I followed Vllaznia, maybe influenced by my brother. But today, I’m not a passionate fan of any club; my emotions now are for the national team.
Are you friends with the national team players? Do you go out for meals, communicate?
– I have very good relationships with them and have always taken care to maintain them. We don’t cross boundaries that would affect institutional relationships. During national team gatherings, I’m always present. We chat and build friendly rapport, but always maintaining balance.
After the match with Andorra, a video circulated where you didn’t greet Armando Broja…
– I saw the video too. I didn’t notice at the moment; we were celebrating. Broja was upset with himself, not me. Professionally, he helped the team a lot in his minutes on the field. I keep in daily contact with him to stay in shape and help the team.
How do you handle fan attacks on players when they make mistakes?
– This is part of the game. Within 90 minutes, you can be a hero or an enemy. For example, Elseid Hysaj was criticized unfairly after a mistake. I told him to ignore social media and focus on the next game. I consider criticism to learn from, but insults and slander don’t affect me much.
You’re one of the most important people in the world in your position. How do you feel about that?
– Prejudice exists, but it’s better not to internalize it. I see prejudice as a product of limited intellectual development. A cultured person doesn’t judge someone based on where they were born or skin color. My merit is using my abilities for good, improving myself. In the civilized world, these things are minimized.
When are the next elections?
– In Albania, 2026; in UEFA, 2027.
Will there be other candidates besides you in 2026?
– I don’t know yet. I haven’t seen anyone else.
Until when do you plan to be President?
– As long as the clubs and football academies believe I can help them move football forward and as long as I have the energy and goals to achieve. Age will naturally limit this. I haven’t planned to step down or not.
Previous elections—you knew it would be Shakohoxha?
– No, I didn’t know. I saw it in the media. I don’t judge someone negatively for running for a post if they have a platform. Those who try to enter artificially, I don’t view positively.
What genre would the film of your life be?
– A series of growth, with emotion and action building until the final episode is full of emotion.
What makes you feel “Belgrade”?
– It was one of my toughest football days. When that flag entered the stadium, I felt fear—not for myself, but for the responsibility I had toward the team.
How do you view the U-21 European Championship?
– Very positively. It’s the second most important UEFA event after senior teams. Albania has a historic chance to organize it well, making everyone enjoy and experience football.
What makes you feel “Rei Manaj”?
– Manaj’s goal carries a lot of weight. Even more than three points. I’ve told Rei this myself. And the way he celebrated is fantastic. He should keep this framed for his whole life. I don’t think he will do anything more beautiful than this. I hope he does.
What makes you feel about “the Kosovo national team”?
– They have a good team. Some of them have also played for the Albanian national team: Rrahmani, Rashica, Muriqi.
Albania or Kosovo?
– We are better than Kosovo. But Kosovo has good footballers; they’re in the playoffs. For a history so short, with so little experience, to reach the playoffs is a big success. It’s a moment they should live and continue to aim for the World Cup.
Should we have a national team?
– We should have a national team. But this doesn’t depend on me or you. That’s how I see it, but we have no control. As long as we are two states with one nation, there will be two teams, two championships. If we were united, we would be a bigger country, with more potential, a bigger market. In every sense, I think it’s better—not only in football.
What makes you feel “Red and Black Fans”?
– Recently, our relationship has been strained due to their presence in stadiums. This doesn’t affect our personal relationship. There are rules we must respect. We value the support and contribution of every fan who comes to the stadium. But we want a certain level and a more cultured atmosphere.
What makes you feel “Gianni De Biasi”?
– A very good coach, a very good friend. Loved by the Albanian environment, highly respected. He also respects us a lot. He’s present at all our national team matches, and I have a very good relationship with him. Gianni brought Albanian football to new heights. The same goes for Sylvinho. They are two coaches who took Albania to the European finals, and we are very grateful to them.
What makes you feel “Edi Rama”?
– The Prime Minister. This is not a coach; he’s the head of the country. I have very good institutional relations with him and the government. I’ve always tried to maintain the same relationship, even when governments sometimes had a different approach. As the government’s “coach,” he seems very good. But I’m not the one to judge him, because I don’t know the government work closely. Regarding sport, he has helped us, and now he should help with the sponsorship law. We have cooperated on stadium construction and infrastructure changes. Now we need to collaborate on legal infrastructure changes he promised, and I hope he will fulfill it. I have cooperated with four prime ministers.
If you were a coach, what would be the best Albanian national team of all time?
– I need to think carefully because I’m sure I’ll make mistakes. We’ve had many great footballers. It’s hard to pick a starting eleven right now. I’d need time.
Do you think Igli Tare could be President?
– Anyone could take any position, not just president. With his experience in football management abroad, he could bring it to Albania—whether in the federation, a club, or elsewhere. The Football Association is a very wide activity. It may seem like only the Superiore League, but today AFA organizes 600 matches per week, involving about 4,000 officials. This isn’t managed just by pointing fingers; it requires money. Money must be produced and reinvested in development. Today AFA is a solid institution, with healthy financial foundations and a secure future. I consider this one of the federation’s greatest achievements.
Importance of money
– Without money, development is difficult. It’s the measure of the value of your work. To give value to your work, you need to exchange it for money, and those funds must be reinvested in development.
Message to all followers of the national team and AFA activities
– We are in a festive period, and before wishing everyone, I want to thank everyone who has cooperated with AFA and contributed to football in Albania. I apologize for any mistakes we’ve made or for not meeting expectations. But I want to assure you that we’ve tried to do our best.
I want to wish and promise that I will do my best in the coming year. Let’s enjoy the holidays, celebrate Christmas dinner with family, and welcome 2026 with full health and as much success as possible. We hope the national team reaches the World Cup. I believe this is every Albanian’s wish. The most beautiful thing we have today is the national team.
