The Albanian national team is entering a decisive September, with two important matches ahead: a friendly against Gibraltar and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Preparations are set to begin on Monday in Tirana, where the “Kuqezinjtë” will hold their first training session before traveling for the away friendly on September 4. Afterward, the squad will return home to face Latvia in a crucial qualifying match on September 9 at the “Air Albania” Stadium.
Ticket Sales Struggle for Latvia Clash
Unlike previous matches where tickets sold out within hours, demand for the September 9 qualifier has been surprisingly low. Tickets have been available since August 6 but remain unsold, even though UEFA has reduced capacity by closing off one section of the stadium. For the first time in months, tickets are also being sold physically at various points in the country, not just online, in an effort to boost attendance.
Fan Group Boycott
Adding to the challenge, Albania’s largest supporter group, “Tifozat Kuqezi”, has announced they will not attend the match against Latvia. This marks the second consecutive home game without their presence, following their absence in the clash against Serbia earlier this year. The group has also called on other fans to boycott the match, raising concerns about atmosphere and support inside the stadium.
UEFA Sanction
The reduced ticket availability stems from a UEFA sanction imposed after the Serbia match, which saw Albania fined 161,500 Swiss francs and forced to close 20% of the “Air Albania” Stadium’s capacity. The punishment came as a result of misconduct that included discriminatory chants, pyrotechnics, racist slogans, and politically charged messages. The affected areas include the lower tiers behind the goals, leaving visible gaps in the stands.
Looking Ahead
Despite the off-field turbulence, the match against Latvia remains vital for Albania’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Head coach and players will aim to focus on the pitch, as the national team seeks both a strong performance and a step closer to the dream of reaching the tournament. However, the absence of “Tifozat Kuqezi” and the lingering UEFA sanctions mean that the atmosphere at “Air Albania” is likely to be far less intense than in past matches.