Albania-Serbia match tonight: Great public interest, even greater security measures

Albania will host Serbia tonight in a qualifying match for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Fan interest is high, as are the security measures implemented by the Albanian police and other relevant institutions. The security measures being enforced in cooperation with the Albanian Football Association are extremely strict and can only be compared to those from about a decade ago, when the Serbian national team visited Albania in Elbasan, or a few years later when Albania played against Israel there.

According to police reports, special units (RENEA), emergency intervention services, anti-terrorism forces, traffic police, and patrols for maintaining public order will be deployed, along with private security forces.

Anti-drone systems have already been set up near the stadium, and the streets of Tirana leading to the venue will be completely closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed in and around the stadium, along with mobile facial recognition units to identify individuals who may pose a threat.

Meanwhile, bars and restaurants located near and inside the stadium have removed metal structures such as awnings and canopies for sun and rain protection, leaving only tables and chairs for guests. These establishments will be closed on match day.

Security expert and former police colonel Fatjon Softa told Kosovo Online that this is one of the most extensive operations the police have ever organized.

“A record number of police forces has been deployed. This is a comprehensive security plan that covers not just the match or its aftermath, but begins around 48 hours before kickoff. It involves checks of premises, surrounding areas, and complete surveillance by police. Security measures peak on the day before and the day of the match. The possibility of incidents seems minimal. Of course, there will be a record number of fans in the stadium. Interest has been very high, around 200,000 ticket requests from Albanians across the region to attend the match with Serbia. That’s the main reason, but also because of the previous incidents between Albania and Serbia,” Softa said.

A personalized ticketing system was implemented, requiring all fans to register online. Tickets were then allocated via a lottery.

Still, that doesn’t mean stadium security will be relaxed – quite the opposite.

Strict controls are expected at the stadium entrance. Bottles and bags larger than A4 size will not be allowed, nor will any items generally prohibited by stadium regulations.

Sports analyst and ABC News journalist Nertan Prifti does not expect any problems at the match, nor does he believe that most tickets were purchased by Albanians from Kosovo, despite speculation in the Albanian media.

“I think concerns about the atmosphere or potential trouble are somewhat exaggerated. After what happened in Belgrade in 2014, Serbia played in Elbasan in 2015, when emotions were still raw. And nothing happened. Not even a bottle of water was thrown. Everything went smoothly. I expect the same tonight in Tirana,” Prifti said.

He also emphasized one key reason for optimism: the excellent relationship between the Albanian and Serbian football associations.

“The relationship between the two federations is at its best and highest level. They are jointly organizing the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Neither side, the Albanian FA as the match host nor the Serbian FA as the host of the return leg, wants any problems,” Prifti added.

Meanwhile, Serbian football expert Ivan Gvozdenovic, who has worked in Albania for many years and played in an Albanian team, believes this match will be a message of peace.

He doesn’t hide his hope for a Serbian victory.

“Of course, the message is always peace. Sport and football should prevail. I’m sure everything will go well and that football will win. Sport is here to unite people, that’s what it is for. It is beautiful because it brings people together. In my club, we have many foreign players, that is a great thing. We bond, make connections, bring people together. Naturally, I will be supporting Serbia, as I’m from Serbia. But again, let the better team win on the field and let the better side celebrate. Let it be a great football atmosphere. That is my heartfelt wish,” Gvozdenovic concluded.

Over 200,000 ticket requests were submitted by May 30, even though the stadium in Tirana has a capacity of just 22,000 seats.

UEFA decided to close two stands to regular fans, but allowed football academy players and representatives of civil society organizations to attend from those sections. Tickets were also sold on the black market, reaching prices between 250 euros and 1,500 euros. Police arrested three individuals for illegal ticket sales.