The Albanian national football team has received a blow from FIFA ahead of their June 7th match against Serbia, according to reports from Oculus News. It has been confirmed that one-fifth of the seats at the "Arena Kombëtare" stadium in Tirana will remain empty for the match against Serbia.
This penalty, along with a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs, was imposed on the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) due to discriminatory behavior exhibited by Albanian fans during the March 24th match against Andorra. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee deemed the actions of the Albanian supporters unacceptable.
A statement issued by the FSHF on Tuesday explained that the penalty includes both the fine and the restriction on fan attendance for the upcoming match, which is part of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Specifically, at least 20% of the stadium will be closed, with priority given to the stands behind the goals.
While 20% of the stadium can still be filled, it will not be with regular fans. "According to FIFA's decision, this 20% can be filled with community groups or organizations focused on anti-discrimination efforts, pending prior approval from the global governing body of football," the statement clarified. Additionally, within six months, FSHF is required to develop and submit an improved anti-discrimination plan for FIFA’s approval.
The match between Albania and Serbia is expected to attract significant attention, and the limited number of tickets will make it even more difficult for fans to secure a seat. The FSHF has yet to release tickets for sale.
In its statement, the Federation urged fans to continue supporting the national team in a positive and respectful manner. "We call on the fans to create a warm and positive atmosphere and to demonstrate civility and respect in their behavior towards the opposing team, to avoid any situation that could harm the Albanian team," the FSHF said.
The specific actions or chants deemed "discriminatory" by FIFA have not been made clear in either FIFA’s decision or the FSHF’s announcement.
In their last match, Albania won 3-0 against Andorra in Tirana, though they suffered a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley on March 21. The upcoming match against Serbia is seen as crucial for Albania's chances to secure second place in their World Cup qualifying group.