A serious incident after the AF Elbasani-Vllaznia match has prompted a public reaction from the Albanian Football Federation, which claims that Vllaznia president Alban Xhaferri physically struck one of the assistant referees. At this stage, the only version made public is that of the FSHF, while the case is expected to go through the federation’s disciplinary review.
Strong reaction from the Federation
In its statement, the FSHF describes the incident as an unacceptable act and insists that violence against referees and match officials cannot be tolerated in football.
The federation presents the episode as a blow to the integrity of the competition and to the very standards the sport claims to uphold.
Direct accusation against the Vllaznia president
According to the FSHF’s official version, at the center of the incident is the president of the Shkodra club, Alban Xhaferri, who is alleged to have physically struck one of the assistant referees at the end of the match.
So far, no further clarification has been made public in this response regarding the specific circumstances of the episode, beyond the federation’s direct accusation.
Pressure on club officials
The FSHF stresses that the responsibility of club officials is even greater precisely because of the role they have in relation to players, staff and the public.
According to the federation, they must serve as an example of fairness and respect toward referees, opponents and football institutions, even when matches are played in a tense atmosphere.
Warning of disciplinary proceedings
The federation says that the competent disciplinary bodies will proceed with the case in accordance with the regulations in force.
The FSHF also states that the decision-making process will be carried out independently and that referees and match officials will be protected from any form of violence, threat or pressure.
In its reaction, the FSHF acknowledges that debates and objections over refereeing are part of the game, but insists that physical violence is a line that cannot be crossed.
The federation’s message is that such acts, according to it, will not be tolerated regardless of the name, club or position of the person involved.