Albania to build a new football stadium

TIRANA, Oct. 20 – Albania said Tuesday it will have a new modern soccer stadium in 1912, when it celebrates her 100th anniversary of independence
That was made known by the Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha after meeting with UEFA president Michel Platini, on a visit to Tirana to take part in celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Football Association of Albania (FShF).
Platini also met with President Bamir Topi and Tirana Mayor Edi Rama.
Platini took part at the official inauguration of the Skender Halili center, a Tirana training facility with artificial turf that has been installed with the help of the UEFA HatTrick assistance programme on behalf of its 53 member national associations.
“I am happy to be in Albania again, and help the improvement and progress of youth soccer, which is a very important project for UEFA,” said Platini, who also thanked the Tirana authorities for their support on the scheme.
Discussions with Berisha focused on the future construction of a new stadium to host top-level matches.
“Its construction will contribute to the Albanian state, UEFA and the FShF,” said Mr Berisha.
The UEFA president stressed the importance of the close relationship between UEFA and the FShF. “Very soon Albania will have a new stadium,” he said. “UEFA and the FShF will fully support the project.”
Albanian FSHF head Armand Duka expressed gratitude to UEFA.
“I would like personally to thank Mr Platini, for his visit and for his support in helping to improve soccer in Albania.”
president Topi awarded to Platini the Order of Mother Teresa, as his visit coincided with the country’s National Day of Mother Teresa. He also awarded to Duka the Naim Frasheri Order too.
UEFA vice-president ®gel MarVillar Llona and presidents of various associations from all four corners of the continent took part at the ceremony.