For the first time in Albania, the European football championship for priests, ‘Futsal’ 2024, is taking place, with 17 national teams from across Europe competing from February 5 to 9. The inaugural match was held in Shkodër between the national teams of priests from Albania and Croatia. During a meeting with the Albanian team, Mayor Erion Veliaj of Tirana expressed gratitude for their contribution to the community.

“I want to say to you: Thank you! I hope that these days, with over 200 priests and 17 teams from all over Europe gathered for this football championship, will also be days of peace and brotherhood. Let’s understand that both football and sports are analogies for our civil work, as well as for your spiritual work,” said Veliaj.

He wished the 17 teams of priests good luck in the competition, emphasizing his pride that Tirana is concluding the sports year with such an ‘unusual’ championship, filled with meaningful messages.

The Albanian team of priests is led by a prominent figure in Albanian football, coach Armando Cungu. This edition is being held for the first time in Albania, with Shkodra chosen as the inaugural city, where football was first played in our country. Beyond sports, this event also serves as an opportunity to promote Albania and its values.

/m.ll/