The official UEFA website still lists the upcoming Serbia vs. Albania match as taking place at the “Rajko Mitić” Stadium in Belgrade on October 11. However, it is only a matter of time before the decision to move this sensitive fixture to the “Dubočica” Stadium in Leskovac is formally announced. The Serbian Football Federation (FSRS) has already submitted an official request for the change. For the move to be finalized, approval is required from the Albanian Football Federation. UEFA is reportedly ready to authorize the venue change, while FIFA, as the organizer of the World Cup qualifiers, would confirm it.
The match is expected to be decisive for second place in the qualifying group. Initially, the Serbian Football Federation had planned for the game to be played in Belgrade, fully aware of its significance.
However, Serbia’s 5-0 loss to England on Tuesday, also held at the “Rajko Mitić” Stadium—home to Red Star Belgrade—has altered the situation. The decision to consider a venue change is not directly related to the result itself, but rather to events that unfolded during the match. Many of the 40,000 spectators reportedly directed chants against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and national team coach Dragan Stojković. Some hooligan groups, allegedly close to Vučić, reportedly physically attacked fans who were protesting against the current government, all under the watch of the police.
The political climate in Serbia has been tense for some time. Student-led protests against the government have expanded into nationwide demonstrations, while counter-protests by criminal groups aligned with Vučić’s administration continue to occur.
To avoid incidents similar to those witnessed against England, the Serbian Football Federation, likely in consultation with authorities, decided to host the Albania match in Leskovac. The “Dubočica” Stadium has a capacity of 8,136 seats, making it easier to control attendance compared to the 40,000 spectators in Belgrade. Tickets can also be allocated to specific groups for tighter control. In the past two years, Serbia has hosted three matches in Leskovac: against Switzerland on October 12 last year (6,383 spectators), Denmark on November 18 last year (7,295 spectators), and Andorra on June 10 this year (7,576 spectators).
For the match against Albania, the small stadium is expected to be fully packed.
However, the situation could still change depending on potential sanctions from FIFA related to the incidents during the England match, which included offensive chants against Kosovo and displays of Serbian flags over Kosovo’s map. If FIFA imposes a stadium closure, the Serbia vs. Albania match could potentially return to Belgrade, albeit behind closed doors. A partial closure would make Leskovac the more likely venue.
“We are working intensively to secure approval to change the location for that match. Leskovac is an environment where the national team has always prepared in peace, received unwavering support, enjoyed a very positive atmosphere, and achieved several positive results. I believe that in the near future, we will play in Leskovac,” said Brank Radujko, Secretary General of the Serbian Football Federation, to Tanjug on Thursday.
No developments were reported on Friday, but a final decision is expected by the start of next week, if not over the weekend. Reports in Serbian media indicate that the Albanian Football Federation has agreed to the stadium change, which seems feasible. A smaller venue with less pressure from fans and hooligans could increase Albania’s chances of a successful outcome.