Overview

• Serbian supporters are barred from attending Saturday’s qualifier in Tirana.
• Authorities have deployed heavy police presence, closed roads and are searching fans entering the stadium to prevent clashes.
• Albanian Football Federation president Armand Duka appealed for fans to back the team with positive energy and maintain a calm atmosphere.
• Tensions date back to the 2014 Belgrade brawl triggered by a drone carrying an Albanian flag and the ongoing dispute over Kosovo’s independence.
• Both federations will co-host the 2027 Under-21 European Championship as part of efforts to ease political strains.