Tirana Prepares for Albania vs. Georgia: Road Closures and Public Safety

 Albanian police cars near the Air Albania stadium about 8 hours before the match Albania vs Georgia

 The State Police have developed a detailed security plan to ensure public order and safety during the international football match between Albania and Georgia, scheduled for this evening at 20:45 at the "Air Albania" stadium in Tirana. The plan outlines the responsibilities of various police structures to guarantee the smooth execution of the event before, during, and after the match.

Security Measures in Place

Drawing on previous successful experiences in managing public order during international events, the State Police have introduced the following measures:

1. Escort and Security for the Georgia Team: The Georgian football team will be escorted and secured from their arrival at Rinas Airport to their hotel, the stadium, and back to the airport after the match.
2. Escort and Security for the Albania Team: The Albanian football team will be provided security from their hotel to the stadium.
3. Thorough Stadium Checks: Comprehensive checks of the stadium and surrounding areas will be conducted before spectators are allowed entry. Unauthorized persons and prohibited items will be identified and removed.
4. Public Order Services: Security personnel will ensure public order in and around the stadium and monitor the entire city of Tirana before, during, and after the match.
5. Emergency Service Routes: The roads needed for emergency services will be kept clear.
6. Traffic Management: Special measures will be taken to manage traffic in Tirana throughout the event.

To ensure the safety and smooth operation of this event, the State Police have coordinated efforts with key institutions, including:

• The Albanian Football Federation and UEFA;
• The Republican Guard;
• Municipal Police;
• Fire Services;
• Private security companies (stewards and security staff);
• Hospitals and first aid centers.

Additionally, there is close collaboration with the security staff of the Georgian football team to uphold high safety standards before, during, and after the match.

Traffic Restrictions

To facilitate the event and manage vehicle traffic in Tirana, several roads around the stadium will be closed from 15:00 until the match concludes. These roads include:

• "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard, 20 meters above Dajti Bridge;
• "Papa Gjon Pali II" Road;
• "Dervish Hima" Road near the US Embassy;
• "Asim Zeneli" Road near the US Embassy;
• "Themistokli Gërmenji" Road;
• "Ismail Qemali" Road near the Liceu intersection;
• "Mustafa Matohiti" Road near the "Kosova" School;
• "Jul Variboba" Road near the post office;
• "Lekë Dukagjini" Road near the former Republican Guard;
• "Avdyl Frashëri" Road near the University Bookstore intersection.

Strict Controls for Spectators

In line with the security plan, State Police officers will perform thorough checks on all spectators entering the stadium. The aim is to prevent the entry of prohibited items such as banners with racist content, fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics, metal coins, umbrellas, lighters, phone chargers, cosmetic products, and other dangerous objects that could jeopardize public safety.

Spectators are reminded that violent actions during sports events, including unauthorized entry onto the field, are classified as criminal offenses under the Albanian Penal Code and are punishable by fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 ALL. Such actions that disrupt the match could result in a fine or imprisonment for up to three months.

Throwing dangerous objects onto the field or using fireworks or flares is punishable by six months to three years of imprisonment. Acts of violence against athletes, coaches, referees, or sports mediators carry penalties of one to three years of imprisonment, and repeat offenses in sports venues or by sports club members can result in imprisonment from one to five years.

Entry and Ticket Guidelines

Ticket holders can enter the stadium from 18:00. The police request fans arrive early to avoid missing entry due to potential crowds close to kickoff. Fans are also advised to beware of ticket scams and to refrain from posting their tickets online, as tickets can be duplicated illegally. Each ticket is equipped with a barcode and is personal, allowing only the ticket holder to enter after verification.

Any duplication of tickets is considered fraud and is punishable by law. In case of encountering such illegal activities, spectators are encouraged to report immediately by calling 112.

Conclusion

To ensure the smooth running of this international sporting event, hundreds of police officers have been deployed to maintain public order and safety. The police will also provide assistance and information to attendees when needed, aiming for a safe, incident-free event that enhances the country’s image on the international stage.