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The President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, has denied news of a friendly match between Albania and Kosovo.
" To be honest, no ," he said, clarifying that such an initiative is not currently in the plans.
Nationwide Cup Project
The Duke brought to attention an earlier project of the two Federations, which envisaged the organization of a nationwide Cup between Albanian and Kosovar clubs.
" What we started as a project a few years ago, before Covid, was a nationwide Cup, for which we also prepared the financial project, which requires a lot of support ," he stated.
Lack of interest without concrete incentives
According to the head of the Albanian Football Association, organizing a football activity without clear benefits does not attract the interest of clubs.
" Doing a very formal football activity today doesn't generate interest if you don't have what you're playing for. Financial or sporting benefits ," emphasized Duka.
He added that such a competition does not offer sporting benefits, such as qualification for European cups, so it remains necessary to create financial incentives.
" This type of competition cannot have sporting benefits to participate in European Cups. So the same thing is to have financial incentives ," he said.
Cost and financial challenges
The project provided financial support for clubs, including those in the third category, as well as covering travel and accommodation expenses.
" The financial bill was around 2 million euros per year, which cannot be afforded by us, the Federations, alone ," stressed Duka.
Lack of institutional response
According to him, the proposal has been submitted to the governments of Albania and Kosovo, but has not received a response.
" We have taken this proposal to both governments, we have not had a response due to Covid reasons and we have not reactivated it ," he said.
Call for project review
In conclusion, the Duke left open the possibility of returning to the project in the future, but with a more functional approach.
" I think we should reactivate it, but in this way. Let's do an activity that clubs have interest in, clubs play with the best players ," he declared, adding that in the absence of real interest, clubs can activate reserve teams and the goal of the competition is not achieved.
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