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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Albania, Serbia clash in high-stakes, politically charged WC qualifier
The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memoriesA 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with KosovoSerbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos "should not be repeated." We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players," he said. We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory. Organizers remind fans it's a gameArmand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal. We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity, Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which "will contribute to a quieter environment, Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions, Duka said. They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game. Nationalists and soccer fans at oddsAlthough political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. Go there and beat them, he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. Everyone says that the first game is very important," Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memories A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with Kosovo Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos 'should not be repeated.' 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players,' he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Organizers remind fans it's a game Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which 'will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Nationalists and soccer fans at odds Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important,' Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' ___ Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. ___ AP soccer:
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memories A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with Kosovo Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos 'should not be repeated.' 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players,' he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Organizers remind fans it's a game Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which 'will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Nationalists and soccer fans at odds Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important,' Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' ___ Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. ___ AP soccer:
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos "should not be repeated." 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players," he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which "will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important," Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. soccer: /hub/soccer
The Guardian
09-02-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Serbia and Albania move on from ‘drone' game but tensions still simmer
It was far more than a football flashpoint when, on a night in Belgrade that resembled the most vivid fever dream, all hell broke loose in a Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania. The 'drone' game of October 2014 is notorious and the abiding memory is of Albania's players fleeing down the tunnel at Partizan Stadium, a tinderbox that had ignited dangerously. It sparked a diplomatic incident, the home country immediately summoning its near neighbour's ambassador to discuss the chaos wreaked after a 'Greater Albania' flag had been lowered over the pitch before half-time. Blame flew in every conceivable direction and it was a case study in how sport can amplify longstanding enmities in visceral, deeply consequential fashion. Maybe it was a dream after all. On Tuesday Uefa announced that the two countries would co-host its Under-21 Championship in 2027, confirming a decision effectively made last year after Belgium and Turkey withdrew their bids. There is justifiable contentment inside European football's governing body given the hurdles that needed to be overcome. The line, as repeated by the Albanian FA president and Uefa ExCo vice-president Armand Duka, is that the event will be 'a catalyst for breaking down barriers, enhancing mutual understanding and creating a more positive future for the people of Albania and Serbia'. In truth the bidding process, such as it was, may have been the simple part. It was a surprise when, last May, they announced the joint initiative after Albania were advised a solo bid would not pass. They have the region's most modern stadium in Tirana's Arena Kombëtare, which held the Conference League final in 2022, but would have struggled to stage the entire event. Serbia's unexpected arrival on the scene offered a solution and was encouraged by political figures keen on demonstrating closer ties, not to mention a Uefa leadership keen to foreground football's role in bridging the unbridgeable. In 2014 the respective FAs had not even managed to agree on details for ticket sales to away fans; now they were in lockstep over sharing a major competition. Others, though, are not so keen to play happy families. When Duka emphasised in September that 'I do not think and have never thought … that organising the European Championship can amnesty what has happened' he was referring, among other historical traumas, to Serbia's brutal war in the mainly ethnic Albanian Kosovo during the late 1990s. He was responding directly to protests from supporters' groups, who had made their feelings known when news of the bid emerged. Members of Tifozat Kuq e Zi, an influential ultras association that claims to number more than 7,000, sprayed red paint outside the FA's headquarters and displayed photographs relating to atrocities committed in Kosovo. 'We oppose any collaboration with the murderers,' read part of a post on social media. In November's match against Ukraine at Arena Kombëtare, some supporters held up banners condemning the tournament and referring again to war crimes. Lorik Cana, the Kosovo-born former Albania captain, described the co-hosting plan as 'not the proper step'. Although feelings are largely much less strong among Albanians who were not directly touched by the war in Kosovo, and dissent against Euro 2027 has been less pronounced in Serbia, there will remain a concern Uefa is playing with fire until the event has concluded successfully. It is hardly as if everyone involved has rubbed along nicely since the fateful evening in Belgrade, which was awarded to Albania as a walkover by the court of arbitration for sport. Fans and players of either persuasion continue to give Uefa's disciplinary chiefs periodic headaches with breaches of conduct involving the other. Albania were punished for a number of incidents at Euro 2024, including the striker Mirlind Daku's decision to shout 'fuck Serbia' and other nationalist chants down a megaphone after a match with Croatia. Serbia were fined in December after fans tried to set an Albania flag alight at a game against Switzerland. The list could go on and on. Level heads may well prevail but it is hard to think of a European competition in which tensions in the hosts' orbits have been so fresh. Any nerves within Uefa will face an acid test during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Serbia and Albania were not barred from being paired in draws despite the disgrace of Belgrade; fate has put them back together this time in a group that also contains England, the first meeting taking place in Albania on 7 June before Serbia holds the rematch on 11 October. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The sides faced each other a year after the drone fiasco, Serbia winning 2-0 in the Albanian city Elbasan amid smothering security. Much of the central boulevard in Tirana was closed when the Serbia team, staying in the capital, went for a pre-match walk, and snipers perched above the stadium during play. Everything went smoothly and the odds are it will again in June; the acid test may come four months later. Any major incidents would pose a flurry of awkward questions about the optimistic logic behind Euro 2027. For now, those planning the event hope to lay a platform for its success. Uefa points out the potential tourism and infrastructure benefits for both and preaches the potential of football to help smooth out a troubled past. Maybe it is right, or maybe football again overstates its role as panacea. Should they pull it off, the events of 2014 may finally fade from memory.
