In the latest edition of “Rubrika Sportive,” (Sports Feature on RTSH) Alfred Peza, General Director of Albanian Public Radio and Television (RTSH), urged the President of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) to include RTSH as the official broadcaster for the national football team in the upcoming sports law.

Peza suggested that the new sports legislation should grant RTSH broadcasting rights for national team matches, ensuring that viewers and listeners can watch major tournaments, from the European Championship to the World Cup, for free. He emphasized RTSH’s commitment to meeting the high expectations of Albanian audiences.

In response, FSHF President Armando Duka expressed skepticism about the inclusion of such provisions in the sports law. He suggested that while the law might not specifically mandate broadcasting rights, it would be up to Assembly and the government to allocate budgets for these rights. Duka noted that, currently, national team broadcasting rights are centralized in Europe and managed by the European Football Association, rather than by national federations.

Duka also addressed the new league format implemented last season. Despite some criticism from football stakeholders, he defended the Final Four format, believing it would enhance the competition and excitement of the championship. He explained that this format aims to create a thrilling conclusion to the season, similar to the structure used in the Champions League. Duka acknowledged that this new four-phase system was intended to make the championship more engaging and that its impact would be assessed over two seasons.

Albanian football has officially returned to RTSH with the start of the Abissnet Superiore League. Peza highlighted that this marks the fulfillment of a promise to bring football back to every Albanian household. He underscored that RTSH’s comprehensive coverage ensures that every Albanian can watch games for free. Peza expressed gratitude for the positive reception and viewed it as a successful collaboration with FSHF, representing progress for Albanian football and its fans.

Peza reaffirmed RTSH’s dedication to serving the public with quality audiovisual content, including information, entertainment, and education. He stated that broadcasting the Abissnet Superiore, the First Division, the Cup of the Republic, and women’s football will add significant value to the new broadcast season. He described this as the first of many exciting updates for viewers and Radio Tirana listeners, who will also enjoy the historic program “From One Match to Another.” Peza promised additional surprises starting in September, following their exclusive coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

/a.p./