July 24 – The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has been fined by FIFA and ordered to close part of the stands for the next national team home game over fan misconduct at a match against Serbia.
The World Cup qualifier was played on June 7 in Tirana in front of more than 20,000 spectators. During the match, insults were heard against Serbs and objects were thrown from the stands, with the match stopped three times.
The FSHF confirmed the news in a statement: “According to the decision, the FSHF is punished with a fine of 161,500 Swiss francs (€173 000) and the obligation that the next home match against Latvia be played with at least 20% of the stadium capacity closed to the public, due to repeated inappropriate and discriminatory behavior by some of the Albanian fans (songs with discriminatory content, throwing objects, lighting fireworks, using gestures or messages inappropriate for a sporting event, as well as interruptions during the national anthems).
“This decision is a serious penalty for the entire football community and harms not only the Federation, but above all the National Team.
“The Albanian Football Association calls on all fans of the National Team to avoid any action that could harm our team, to respect international rules and to contribute to a dignified atmosphere in support of Albania. Only united and responsible can we support the National Team as it deserves.”
Albania and Serbia are both in Group K of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside England, Latvia and Andorra.
Albania are second on five points from four games, while Serbia are third on four points only after two games.
The two teams meet in the reverse fixture at the Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade on 11 October.
Contact the writer of this story Aleksander Krassimirov at moc.l1754404524labto1754404524ofdlr1754404524owedi1754404524sni@o1754404524fni1754404524