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Armand Duka: The U-21 European Championship, more than a tournament. The biggest sporting event in the history of Albania

2025-02-04 15:42:00, Sport CNA

Armand Duka: The U-21 European Championship, more than a tournament. The biggest

The Albanian Football Federation welcomes today's decision by the UEFA Executive Committee that grants Albania the right to be one of the organizing countries of the 2027 European U-21 Championship.

The tournament, which will take place in June 2027, will feature 16 teams representing the most outstanding youth football talents in Europe, including players already active in the continent's top leagues. As one of the host countries, Albania will have the opportunity to represent its new generation of U-21 footballers at a major international tournament for the first time.

The President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, stated: “This is a very important decision by UEFA, because the 2027 European Under-21 Championship will be more than just a football tournament. It will serve as a catalyst to break down barriers, strengthen mutual understanding and create a more positive future for the people of Albania and Serbia. This tournament will also show what can be achieved when people unite around a common goal, inspired by the power of football.”

President Duka added: “This will be the biggest sporting event in the history of Albania. Therefore, it gives us the opportunity, with the support of UEFA, to modernize stadiums and football infrastructure across the country. Also, this organization will create a lasting legacy to inspire future generations of players, volunteers and fans in both countries.”

The two host countries will each welcome eight participating teams, while the teams will play in their host country until the grand final, which will take place at the "National Arena" in Tirana.

This stadium, with a capacity of 22,000 spectators, hosted the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022. Meanwhile, the other matches of the 2027 European U-21 Championship that will take place in Albania will be played at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër, “Elbasan Arena” in Elbasan and “Arena Egnatia” in Rrogozhina.