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Duka: Strong support for Kosovo football and appreciation for historic progress

2025-12-22 21:14:00, Sport CNA

The President of the Football Federation, Armand Duka, participated in the "Laureates 2025" gala evening, organized by the Football Federation of Kosovo, a traditional event through which individuals, clubs and institutions that contributed to the development and advancement of Kosovo football during 2025 were recognized.

During the ceremony, President Duka presented the “Footballer of the Year 2025” award in Kosovo football, which was won by FC Drita striker Arb Manaj for his performances and contribution during the year. He was accompanied at the ceremony by the Vice President of the Albanian Football Association, Lutfi Nuri, and the Secretary General, Ilir Shulku.

In his speech during the event, the President of the Albanian Football Association praised the significant development of football in Kosovo, especially after membership in UEFA and FIFA, emphasizing the significant progress of recent years.

"It is a unique evening, because football usually speaks on the field. The boys and girls who will be awarded tonight have spoken on the field, have sweated and sacrificed for a year. This evening is not only about winning titles, but also about celebrating what has been done in a year of football in Kosovo," said President Duka.

He underlined that the development of Kosovar football during the ten years of membership in UEFA and FIFA has been extraordinary, adding that the last few years represent the "icing on the cake", both in terms of sporting results and improvements in infrastructure.

"The result of the national team is the most important. I am very happy that the Kosovo representative, under the leadership of the technical staff and footballers, is today fighting to be one of the participating teams in the World Cup finals. The team's performance in 2025 has been fantastic and has pleased fans wherever Albanians live," - emphasized the head of the AFF.

Following this, President Duka guaranteed the continued support of the Albanian Football Association and UEFA for the development of football in Kosovo, emphasizing that today Kosovo is an equal partner in the European football family.

"Until yesterday it was said that we, as the older brother, would support the younger brother. Today this mission has been completed. Kosovo is a member of FIFA and UEFA and an important partner for all European federations. As two partners of UEFA, we will cooperate maximally for the development of Albanian football wherever Albanians live," added President Duka.

At the end of his speech, the President of the Albanian Football Association congratulated the entire Kosovo football community on the end-of-year holidays and expressed his best wishes for 2026.

"Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I wish health, prosperity and success in 2026 to each of you and your families. And in sports, what we are looking forward to is seeing Kosovo in the 2026 World Cup," President Duka concluded.