Record set, 21 referees and assistants with FIFA emblem

2026-01-14 16:04:00, Sport CNA

The ceremony for the presentation of FIFA emblems for 2026 to Albanian male and female football referees took place today.

This was an activity of historical importance, as for the first time Albanian football is represented in the international arena with 21 referees and assistants, the largest number in the history of Albanian refereeing.

Six referees have been certified with the FIFA emblem for 2026: Enea Jorgji, Juxhin Xhaja, Eldorjan Hamiti, Florjan Lata, Emanuela Rusta and Eglantina Pjetrushaj. Kreshnik Barjamaj has also been certified with the FIFA emblem for VAR.

The assistants with the FIFA emblem are Denis Rexha, Ridiger Cokaj, Ilir Tartaraj, Rejdi Avdo, Arbër Zalla, Erind Burgu, Marjus Qose, Edjena Kapxhiu, Koleta Prenga and Mirjeta Sella. For the first time, Marjo Shazivari and Jena Mala have received the FIFA emblem as assistants.

Albanian football is also represented in futsal with two FIFA referees. After Arlind Subashi, this season Albano Stolaj has also won the FIFA badge.

This activity, organized by BASHF and the Arbitration Sector, was attended by the President of the Football Federation, Armand Duka, the Head of the Arbitration Sector, Sokol Jareci, the President of BASHF, Tahir Kastrati, and the Secretary General of BASHF, Klajdi Kola.

The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, praised the receipt of the FIFA emblem by Albanian referees as an appreciation for their many years of work and contribution, emphasizing that this success is not only individual, but also a representation of the entire refereeing corps and Albanian football.

President Duka emphasized the importance of referees with the FIFA emblem representing the country with dignity in the international arena, being correct and consistent in their decisions, and serving as a positive example at all levels of football, especially among youth.

"Today is a special day for those who will receive the FIFA emblem. It is an appreciation of their long-term work and contribution, of the quality and of what they have given to Albanian football. I want to sincerely congratulate those who have achieved it. It is truly an individual contribution, but also of all the referees who have brought a class of referees to the international arena, in the largest number in the history of Albanian football.

It is an individual title, but I would also consider it as a representation of our football and I ask very much that you who have the emblems, who are wearing or receiving the emblem for the first time to represent Albanian football in the international arena, represent our football with dignity, enhance the image of our football, be truly as you deserved in the national championship, deserve it there as well, be correct and consistent in your decisions on the field of play.

This is a very important thing because all together we can contribute to the growth of football, to improving the perception of our football, and this is not simply to have a title or a praise, but because you become a positive example to have more referees, more football in Albania.

"I wish much success to those who continue and carry the emblem and, since we are in a meeting, I take advantage of the opportunity to say a message that we must be correct and the entire refereeing body must be an example in the national championship and in all championships. What I want to emphasize to you, about the example you must give and what you must convey to young people or others, is that we must be the same, consistent, correct and with maximum respect at all levels of football matches, especially among young people", - said President Duka.