Albania condemns Serbia’s police brutality in football match

The Albanian Football Federation has sent an official letter to the Serbian Football Federation, expressing its deep concern regarding the incident that occurred in Bosilegrad, during the fifth division championship match in Serbia between KF Tërnoci and Mladost.

According to footage published in the media and a statement from Tërnoci's club, at the end of the match, Serbian police forces entered the playing field, where they used physical force against player Veton Zeqiri, while other members of the team were subjected to insults and threats. The police then raided the changing rooms, inspecting the players' personal belongings, CE Report quotes ATA.

In the letter addressed to the Serbian Football Federation, the Albanian Football Federation emphasized that this incident raises questions about the conditions in which teams and players participate in football activities and that such situations can affect the spirit of fair play and mutual respect.

"We share our concern regarding a recent incident involving the KF Tërnoci team during the match held on April 6 in the Presevo Valley. According to several media reports and publicly released video footage, at the end of the match, police forces entered the field, used physical force against at least one player, Veton Zeqiri, and then conducted searches in the team's changing room, even inspecting the players' personal belongings. This incident has caused significant concern and raises serious questions about the conditions in which teams and players participate in football activities. Such situations not only jeopardize the well-being of those involved but can also affect the spirit of fair play and mutual respect, which are essential elements for our sport, especially as we prepare for our joint efforts for UEFA Euro U21 2027," reads the letter from the Albanian Football Federation, which also calls for the clarification of the facts and the appropriate measures to ensure that all players and teams are treated with fairness and dignity.

The Albanian Football Federation requests that the Serbian Football Federation carefully examine this matter, assist in clarifying the facts, and, where necessary, take appropriate steps to ensure that all players and teams are treated with fairness, dignity, and in accordance with the principles upheld by sport.

The Albanian Football Federation will closely monitor the ongoing developments and remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of all actors in Albanian football, both within the country and abroad.