President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, was invited to the holy mass held at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Shkodra.

This mass, led by His Excellency Archbishop Angelo Massafra, Metropolitan Archbishop and President of the Episcopal Conference, was held on the eve of the 16th European Futsal Championship among priests, which will take place in Shkodra from February 5th to 9th, 2024.

Meanwhile, this tournament involves representative teams from 17 countries from all over the world with over 224 participants.

In his welcoming speech, President Duka appreciated the fact that this international activity is taking place precisely in Shkodra, where Albanian football itself originated more than a century ago.

“Firstly, I am delighted, as always when I come to Shkodra, and even more so to be among you. And not without reason. Not only me, but the entire Albanian football community, is grateful to your religion.

Because right here in Shkodra, the first spark of the volcano – football – was ignited. This happened almost 120 years ago, at the beginning of the last century when a priest from Malta arrived at the Saverian college and brought a real football, along with the rules of the game. Since then, football has spread like an epidemic, not only in Shkodra but throughout Albania,” said the President of the AFF, emphasizing the significant strides Albanian football has made over the years, continuing to be a crucial part of national values.

“Today, after decades, we are proud of the progress of Albanian football and its achievements. It continues to be a very important part of national culture and values. The recent successes of the national team and its qualification for the finals of the European Championship ‘Germany 2024’ demonstrate the growing values and the tireless work done in Albania to achieve success.

In June  we will go to showcase our best values in Germany and to represent the entire nation worthily. Then, not only you and all of Albania, but all Albanians everywhere will pray for our red and black team,” he said.

Referring to the international priests’ championship held in Shkodra, the head of Albanian football governance expressed that this sports tournament is a great opportunity to exchange experiences and share the best traditions and values of each country.

“Tomorrow, you will start a new football activity. This connection with football is not new to you, as you held the first championship in 2006. I was personally very pleased to learn that this year the 16th European Futsal Championship among priests would be held in Shkodra.

On behalf of the entire football community, I want to welcome the 17 participating teams from 224 participants from countries such as Croatia, Italy, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Montenegro, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, Kosovo, Poland, and Bosnia.

This is not just a sports tournament, it’s not just a competition, but also an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and share with each other the cultural, religious, traditional, and best values that each country represents. I assure you that, as always, you will have the support of the Albanian football institution in every step,” President Duka added, emphasizing the power football does have to convey positive messages and solidarity.

/k.s/