KF Tirana

KF Tirana
Full name Klubi i Futbollit Tirana
Nickname(s) Bardheblutë (The White and Blues)
Founded 15 August 1920;[1] 95 years ago
Ground Selman Stermasi Stadium
Tirana, Albania
Ground Capacity 9,600[2]
President Refik Halili
Head Coach Ilir Daja
League Albanian Superliga
2014–15 Albanian Superliga, 4th
Website Club home page
Active branches of KF Tirana
Football (Men's) Football (Women's) Football (B team) Football (Youth)
Futsal Basketball Volleyball (Men's) Volleyball (Women's)

KF Tirana is an Albanian football club based in the country's capital city, Tirana. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 49 recognized major trophies. They play their home games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana and they compete in Albania's highest tier of football, the Albanian Superliga.

The club was founded on 15 August 1920[1] as Shoqata Sportive Agimi, which translates to the Agimi Sports Association, and they have since participated in all the top tier national championships ever held in Albania, making KF Tirana the only club in Albania to have never been relegated.[3] They have competed under the name of SK Tirana between 1927 and 1947, when the communist regime forcibly renamed the club 17 Nëntori Tirana, Puna Tirana and KS 17 Nëntori. In 1991 KF Tirana retook its pre-1947 name and was divided into two branches, the multi disciplinary SK Tirana and the football branch of KF Tirana.

KF Tirana is the most successful Albanian team in European competitions, having progressed from the first rounds on 11 occasions since making their European debut in the 1965–66 European Cup. The club also holds the record of being the highest ever ranking Albanian club according to IFFHS, having been ranked 31st in the world in 1987, as a result of the success in their 1986–87 campaign. In addition, KF Tirana is an ECA member.[4]

History

1911 tournament

Although still an unofficial event in the official FSHF footballing history, in 2012 historians revealed what is believed to be the first ever competitive football tournament in the country. It took place in Fier between 7 and 14 April 1911. The tournament featured 8 teams and was played in a one-legged format, similar to that of other European competitions at the time. Tirana was represented with what is believed to be the predecessor of KF Tirana, and in their first game on 7 April 1911 against Elbasani they won 9–4 to progress to the semifinals, where they defeated Kavaja 4–0 to reach the final. The final was held on 14 April and was contested between Tirana and Peqini, and ended 6–1 to Tirana, making them Albania's first ever champions, although this is still not officially recognised by the Albanian Football Association.[5]

Early years (1920–1929)

On 15 August 1920,[1] shortly after Tirana became the capital city of Albania, patriot and football enthusiast Palokë Nika, who had already formed KF Vllaznia Shkodër built and trained a new team in Tirana, with A. Erebara, P. Jakova, A. Hoxha, Anastas Koja, P. Berisha, Avni Zajmi, H. Fortuzi, B. Pazari, L. Berisha, S. Frasheri, H. Alizoti, A. Gjitomi, and V. Fekeci. The captain was Erebara, and the name of the team was Gjurmuesit Republikanë, which a few months later was changed into Agimi Sports Association. The name Agimi (in English: Dawn), was taken from the building in the centre of Tirana where they would hold meetings near to. The club was formed as a multi disciplinary one, but the emphasis on football was far greater than that of other sports. In October of the same year the club played its first ever football match at Shallvare in the centre of Tirana against Juventus Shkodër, which was a selection of players from Bashkimi Shkodran, modern day Vllaznia Shkodër, led by Palokë Nika, its captain.[6]

In 1925 the association's governing council was elected and its members were Avni Zajmi, Selman Stërmasi, B. Toptani, Irfan Gjinali and Anastas Koja. Shortly after in the same year, the club played its first international match against Yugoslav team Crnogorac Cetinje from Montenegro. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, the club's name changed into Sportklub Tirana, which would be commonly referred to as SK Tirana.[7] On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica .[8]

Domestic dominance (1930–1937)

The first picture of the KF Tirana Squad

With the formation of the Albanian Football Association on 6 June 1930 came the first officially recognised football competition held in Albania, which was the 1930 National Championship, of which SK Tirana had enrolled in. The club reached the championship final after winning 5 games, drawing 4 and losing just one, to finish joint top, along with Skënderbeu Korçë, albeit with a slightly better goal difference. The championship final games against Skënderbeu Korçë were due to be played on 26 June and 6 July respectively, but Skënderbeu Korçë forfeited both games by refusing to play, which was a sign of protest against the bias of the competition and the Albanian Football Association towards the SK Tirana. SK Tirana was awarded both games 2–0, and were thus crowned champions of Albania for the first time. The winning team consisted of Rudolf Gurashi, Abdullah Shehri, Irfan Gjinali, Xhelal Kashari, Vasil Kajano, Gjon Sabati, Llazar Miha, Mark Gurashi, Bexhet Jolldashi, Shefqet Ndroqi, Isuf Dashi, Adem Karapici, Hysen Kusi, Mustafa Begolli, Hilmi Kosova, Emil Hajnali, Rexhep Maçi, and Selman Stërmasi (as player-manager). Maçi and Hainali also won the inaugural golden boot for being the joint top goal scorers with 3 goals each.[9] As multi-disciplinary club, this was the second national championship that Tirana won, as the athletics team had already won the national championship a year earlier, in 1929. The team was received by Zog of Albania, and is, still to this day the only Albanian team to have been received by a monarch.[8]

The following season the club introduced former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Vasfi Samimi into the team, who had represented Sportklub Vlorë the previous season. Other players, such as Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja joined as well the club. The Albanian Football Association decided to alter the format of the championship as they divided the teams into two groups, with SK Tirana being placed in Group A along with Sportklub Vlorë and Bashkimi Shkodran. They played four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one, to finish top of the group level on points with Bashkimi Shkodran but still won the group due to a superior goal difference. The club met Group B winners Teuta Durrës in the championship final, who they drew 1–1 to at home at Shallvare in a notable game. SK Tirana had opened the scoring and taken the lead through a Mark Gurashi goal, before Teuta Durrës' goalkeeper Niko Dovana instructed one of the forwards to cover for him in goal as he went to play as a forward, and with a shot on goal he scored and equalised. His goal led to mass media coverage, with many Albanian football fans fascinated by the sight of the goalkeeper playing as a forward and scoring. SK Tirana complained to the Albanian Football Association on the grounds that a registered goalkeeper cannot play as an outfield player,[10] but these complaints were not heard and the second leg of the tie was played a week later on 5 July 1931 in Durrës, which SK Tirana won comfortably 3–0 to win 4–1 on aggregate and to regain the National Championship.

The Albanian Football Association once again changed the format of the championship and opted for a five team league format, where every club would play each other twice and the winner would be decided by who finished top of the league, and not a championship final. SK Tirana went unbeaten throughout the season, with five wins and three draws to their name, including emphatic 6–0 wins over Urani Elbasan and Teuta Durrës respectively and a 9–2 away win once again against Urani Elbasan. The club were crowned Albanian champions for a third consecutive season, which further cemented their place in history as the first club to dominate football in Albania.

The 1933 National Championship proved to be less fruitful for the club, as they missed out on a fourth consecutive title, finishing in a disappointing third place out of six, behind Bashkimi Shkodran and the winners Skënderbeu Korçë.[11] However, they bounced back firmly in the 1934 National Championship, finishing five points ahead of runners-up Skënderbeu Korçë in a seven team format. They won a total of ten games out of twelve, which included 9–0 wins over Teuta Durrës and Bashkimi Elbasanas respectively, as well as an 8–0 win over Sportklub Vlorë, with Mark Gurashi being named the top goalscorer with 12 goals.[12] The following year there was no official competition held by the Albanian Football Association, so only friendly games were played.

In 1936 the National Championship returned and SK Tirana regained their title with a two-point difference between them and runners-up Vllaznia Shkodër.[13] The ethnic-Albanian forward from Yugoslavia Riza Lushta was the top goalscorer with 11 goals scored in the campaign. The following season the club once again won the National Championship, with Vllaznia Shkodër coming in second place, and Riza Lushta being named the top goalscorer, this time with a record 25 goals.[14] This was the last pre-World War II competition held by the Albanian Football Association as there was no championship held in 1938 and World War II broke out in 1939.

Interwar period (1939–1944)

In 1939, following the Italian invasion of Albania, a national football tournament was held which featured eight of the country's best clubs at the time, of which SK Tirana was part of. Under the fascist rule of Victor Emmanuel III, king of the Albanian Kingdom, sports activities in the country were revamped in order to mirror the systems in place in Italy. Giovanni Giro, a loyal trustee of Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, was in charge of organising the first football competition under Victor Emmanuel III, which was called Turneja Kombëtare E Footbollit Për Ndeshjet E Trofeut Të Liktorit (lang:en|National Tour of Football for the Matches of the Lictor Trophy). In the first round of the tournament, SK Tirana met Dragoj Pogradeci, which they defeated 7–0 in the first leg, with Zyber Lisi opening the scoring in the 7th minute, after which Naim Kryeziu netted 5 goals in the 8th, 35th, 68th, 81st and 89th minutes, with Zyber Lisi finding the net once again in the 85th minute. SK Tirana starting formation in the game consisted of previous championship winners Rudolf Gurashi, Sllave Llambi, Foto Janku, Hasan Maluçi, Hasan Balla, Zyber Lisi, Haki Korça, Naim Kryeziu and Mark Gurashi. Tirana defeated Dragoj Pogradeci in the second leg as well 2–0, winning 9–0 on aggregate and thus reached the semifinals against Skënderbeu Korçë, on a match played on 6 August 1939. Mark Gurashi scored the opening goal of the game within 10 minutes, as SK Tirana went on to win 3–0 and reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër on 30 September 1939. The final was played at the Shallvare field in Tirana, in the presence of many important figures in the National Fascist Party as well as important Albanian nobleman and figures which included Eqrem Vlora, Aleksandër Xhuvani, Anton Harapi, Dhimitër Beratti and Karl Gurakuqi.

The ruling fascist regime organised a similar competition the following year in 1940, this time in a group format where teams were divided into two groups based on geography location. Two of the club's most important players who had come from Kosovo had left Albania for Italy to join Bari and Roma respectively. They met Vllaznia Shkodër on 17 March in a memorable game which ended in a 2–2 draw, and where the fans left the ground at Shallvare following two stoppages due to players and staff fighting. The game had started positively with Skënder Gjinali opening the scoring in the 10th minute for Vllaznia, following an assist by Frederik Shkjezi. Vasif Biçaku then equalised four minutes later, before Zyber Lisi gave Sportklub Tirana the lead in the 40th minute from a Skënder Begeja cross. However, Vllaznia levelled the scores just 60 seconds later through Met Vasija, following a combination of Muç Koxhja, Loro Boriçi and the goalscorer Vasija. On 31 March they met Elbasani at Shallvare in a thrilling game which saw the home side go 3–0 down through goals by Progri, Shefqet Lamçja and Kasapi in the 30th, 48th and 56th minute respectively. Sportklub Tirana then scored a free kick through Vasif Biçaku in the 60th minute, to begin a comeback which saw three goals in three minutes, before Zyber Lisi scored the winner in the 85th minute. The rest of the campaign did not prove to be fruitful as Vllaznia finished top of the group ahead of Sportklub Tirana and reached the championship finals, where they defeated Skënderbeu Korçë 11–1 on aggregate to win their first national championship, to this day unrecognized by the Albanian Federal Association.

There was no competition held in 1941 but on 21 April of the same year, the foreign ministers of Italy and Germany met in Vienna and concluded that most of Kosovo should join Albania to become what was known as the Kingdom of Albania under Victor Emmanuel III. In 1942 the national championship was held with the inclusion of three clubs from Kosovo, which were Prizreni, Peja and KF Prishtina. These clubs from Kosovo competed in the northern section along with the reigning champions Vllaznia Shkodër, and Sportklub Tirana competed in the new middle section group and the southern clubs competed in their own group. In a bizarre ruling, only players born between 1921 and 1925 were allowed to participate in the competition, meaning that only players between the ages of 17 and 22 were allowed to play. However, this rule was not followed by most clubs and senior players did participate in the competition. Another rule was that all participants had to members of one of the youth fascist groups, but this was merely a formality as many players who were anti-fascist competed. Tirana defeated Elbasani 5–1 and drew 1–1 with Teuta Durrës to reach the semi final against Prizreni which was played in Tirana over two legs on 26 and 27 June. During the first leg, Zyber Lisi opened the scoring through a 21st-minute penalty before doubling the lead just 7 minutes later. Former SK Tirana player Skender Gjinali then scored for Prizreni on the 30th minute before Hasani equalised on the 81st minute and sent the game to extra time, but a winner could not be decided while led to a replay the following day. The scoring in the replay was opened by Akil Derani on the 17th minute, with Zyber Lisi scoring a minute later to make it 2–0 to the SK Tirana. Skender Gjinali scored a conciliation goal for Prizreni in the 76th minute but they could not equalise, and SK Tirana reached the final against Shkodra on 29 June. The final was played at the Shallvare and Shyqyri Bylyku opened the scoring for SK Tirana in the 65th minute before Pali equalised in the 90th minute. Italian referee Michele Carone then asked both sides to play extra time of two 15 minute halves but Shkodra refused to continue play without a concrete reason, although it has been suggested that the darkness was one of the reasons. Two days after the final had been played the match was awarded 2–0 to SK Tirana along with the title.[15][16]

The club won two out of the three National Championships that were held during World War II, with the other championship being won by Vllaznia Shkodër in 1940. The AFA finally made a decision in February 2013 that, according to them, although AFA admits the WWII Championships have indeed been played correctly and rightfully, are not legitimate and won't be recognized since they weren't organized by the AFA, but by the Fascist regime.[17]

Postwar period (1944–1957)

Following the end of World War II, Albania fell in the hands of the socialist dictator Enver Hoxha, and footballing activities resumed as they had done before the war under the guidance of the Albanian Football Association. The first championship held was in 1945 and Tirana were placed in Group B along with a short lived military team under the name of Ylli, Bashkimi Elbasanas, Skënderbeu Korçë, Apolonia Fier and ShqiponjaGjirokastër. Tirana eased through to reach the finals, after finishing top of the group with 16 points, 7 wins, 2 draws and one loss. In the first led of the finals on 23 December Tirana met Vllaznia Shkodër, who they lost 2–1 to, but Vasif Biçaku's late goal gave Tirana some hope for the second leg on 26 December. Vllaznia won the second leg 2–1 once again, with Tirana's only goal coming from a Besim Fagu penalty. Vllaznia won what is officially recognised as their first title, in a season where Loro Boriçi was the top goalscorer.[18] Despite a relatively successful season which saw the club finish as runners-up, they would quickly become victims of the ruling Communist regime under Enver Hoxha's dictatorship. In early March 1946 at the Nacional movie theatre in Tirana, the ruling Communist Politburo had instructed the club to change its name to 17 Nëntori in honour of the Liberation of Tirana which took place on 17 November 1944. In the following decade, the club was subject to appalling treatment by the Communists, and this was highlighted by the creation of a privilege system for the newly created Communist backed teams Partizani Tirana and Dinamo Tirana.

The following decade would unroll in the same suffocating atmosphere, becoming even heavier after the foundation of two system-privileged teams that would follow the experiences of their sisters in the former USSR, former Yugoslavia, and the other eastern European countries: Partizani, the Defense Ministry team and Dinamo, the Internal Affairs Ministry team. Dozens of Tirana’s talented players were "convinced", against their will, to play for either Partizani or Dinamo. As a result, "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–1957, however the team managed to gain some of the lost groung during the second part of the 50's after replacing in part some of the first choice players of its line up.

1958–1970

From 1958 to 1964 Tirana kept on producing some good football and finishing the championship almost always at the third spot. These years were a prelude to what was about to happen later: Tirana reexperienced its pre-war glory spell under the services of the unforgettable coach Myslym Alla. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.

Championship of 1966–67

The team repeated the success the year after, but this was an obvious challenge to Partizani's generals and Dinamo's secret service bosses. After having practically won the 1966–1967 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo.[19][20]

After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–1970 season.[21]

1970s and 1980s

During the seventies Tirana struggled hard to stay at the top, the best result being the second place and the worst the thirteenth. Yet the club won the national cup twice. The generation of older players came to the end of their careers and this could only mark the end of a highly successful era. However the unsuccessful spell would not last long this time. Tirana won the championship at the end of the 1981–1982 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–1985, 1987–1988, and 1988–1989 and the Albanian Cup in 1983, 1984, and 1986. The club was also successful in the European club competitions and many of the team players made up the core of the Albania national football team, such as Agustin Kola, Arben Minga, Shkelqim Muca, and Mirel Josa.

1990s and 2000s

During the first half of the nineties KF Tirana (which in August 1991 regained its old name), likewise the whole Albanian society, went through a period of profound changes. Almost all the best Albanian players left the country and went abroad looking for a richer team who could hire them. But it seems that the club simply could not stand being too long from the leading spots. Thus at the end of the 1994–1995 season, K. F. Tirana once again won the championship five matches in advance with 12 points ahead of the second placed team. During the recent years Tirana has dominated the Albanian football by winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.[22]

Recent seasons and the present

Utrecht-KF Tirana

Between years 1993 – 2007 Tirana completed another significant feat, still unmatched from any other Albanian club; their end-of-season ranking never dropped from 2nd place within 14 consecutive seasons. 9 championship trophies and 5 runner-ups were achieved during this period, as well as 6 Cups and 7 Supercups were added in club's palmares.

Even though KF Tirana has dominated in nearly last three decades, since 2007 club have displayed instability in management, which has also reflected in the results. Several factors have affected negatively the presentation, not only in the domestic competitions, but also the international appearances. Here is a summary of Tirana's recent years performance:

Recent years

Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club win the Albanian Superliga comfortably, KF Tirana began to struggle and they kicked off the season with two losses in the Champions League against Slovenian side NK Domžale meaning they were knocked out in the second qualifying round. Despite winning the Albanian Supercup in the next game against Besa Kavajë, the club had a difficult start to the season, as they won only one of their opening 8 games. They did regain some form and managed to reach third spot, but they ended the season poorly and ultimately finished 6th, their worst finish since 1993. In the Albanian Cup they defeated Butrinti Sarandë, KF Laçi, Kastrioti Krujë and KF Elbasani to reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër, which they lost 2–0 as they failed to save their season. The 2008–09 season proved to be successful as the club won the Albanian Superliga title for the 24th time, officially, and they also reached the final of the Albanian Cup, but instability in terms of the ownership of the club was still present and the following season would prove so as they went trophy-less as they finished third in the league and were knocked out in the quarter final of the Albanian Cup. During the 2010–11 season there were major controversies off the field, as there was an ongoing dispute between the club's chief and president, which lead to a delay in paying the players' wages and even some players not receiving their wages. The results on the field were also largely negative, and there were three head coached throughout the campaign, as Sulejman Starova, Nevil Dede and the Croatian Mišo Krstičević all being in charge of the squad at some stage during the 2010–11 campaign which saw the club finish 5th. They did however do well in the cup, as they defeated local rivals Dinamo Tirana on penalties in the final as they won the Albanian Cup and earned a spot in the Europa League qualifiers for the following season. However, due to late preparations that included a delay in signing new players and appointing a head coach, the club failed to reach the second qualifying round as they were knocked out by Slovakian side FC Spartak Trnava.[23]

Despite winning the 2011 Albanian Supercup, KF Tirana had another difficult season, and on 12 October 2011 the Municipality of Tirana city council voted through a unanimous decision to change the status of the club from a municipality owned to a shareholder own one, under the name KF Tirana Sh.A, with the municipality of Tirana initially holding a 100% stake in the club but with the possibility of any future private sponsors and donors to own stocks in the club.[24] On the field they won the Supercup and Cup despite major financial setbacks caused by the change in status. Spanish coach Julián Rubio led the side to two out of three trophies during the 2011–12 campaign, and they finished third in the league despite major departures just before the start of the season and players not receiving their wages on time. The club sold their main striker Bekim Balaj to Sparta Prague ahead of the new season, and they failed to bring in quality players in time for their Europa League run, which saw them defeat modest CS Grevenmacher from Luxembourg, before being knocked out by Norwegian side Aalesunds FK. They won the Supercup in their next game, but they lost their Spanish head coach Julián Rubio due to a contract disagreement,[25] and they appointed former accomplished KF Tirana player Artur Lekbello as head coach, but he struggled in charge and after a poor start to the season he handed in his resignation after just 42 days. The technical director Alban Tafaj took charge as interim coach as he had done previously, before Nevil Dede returned to the club, who guided them to a disappointing 5th spot. Dede, intending to use younger players as the basis for the future, presented a project to the club's board and was eventually offered a two-year contract, but the 2013–14 began in turmoil as players had gone unpaid due to the Tirana city council's failure to sell club assets.[26] The situation on the field was heavily disrupted by off field troubles, and the squad was made up only 10 players with little experience just weeks before the start of the season, before three wealthy local businessmen took charge of the club to provide much needed short term investments. Ndriçim Babasi was appointed president, whilst former president Refik Halili and Lulzim Morina were also co-donors during the 2013–14 season, and they were able to bring in some new players ahead of the season. Despite the collective efforts of Babasi, Halili and Morina to build a squad days before the start of the season, the club made a poor start to the campaign which led to the departure of head coach Dede, who was replaced by Alpin Gallo, who himself lasted only 5 games before being fired. The board opted for an experienced head coach and hired Gugash Magani, who was given the task of avoiding relegation, which is something the club had never experienced. Magani succeeded in keeping the club up as they finished 6th in what is considered to be one of the worst seasons in the club's history.

On 26 June 2014 the Tirana city council approved a proposal to give private donors a 66% stake in the club's assets for the next 18 years, which at the time fell in the hands of Refik Halili and Lulzim Morina, which enabled such donors to invest in players, facilities and youth teams.[27] Ahead of the 2014–15, head coach Magani and the rest of the back room staff with the backing of Refik Halili aimed to put together a squad capable of winning the league for the first time since 2009. They were title challengers in a highly competitive season, as Skënderbeu Korçë, FK Kukësi and Partizani Tirana all invested generously in their squads to be able to compete for the title, which eventually went to Skënderbeu Korçë for the fifth time in a row, as KF Tirana failed to carry on their good form in the closing stages of the season and ultimately finished fourth. FK Kukësi lost the final of the Albanian Cup to KF Laçi which meant that KF Tirana also failed to qualify for the Europa League, thus ending the season trophy-less and failing to qualify for Europe. During the winter break major investments were made in the training facilities at the Skënder Halili Complex as well as the Selman Stërmasi Stadium, with the latter being reconstructed as the club sought to return to the stadium permanently the following season. Magani left the club at the end of the season, and former coach Shkëlqim Muça replaced him for 2015-16 season whose only task was to win the Superliga title. But on 17 October 2015, he got sacked by the club as they failed to win against Bylis Ballsh, Skënderbeu, Partizani & Flamurtari which meant their title chances were on the brink of slipping away for yet another season. Just before November 2015, Ilir Daja took over to be the next manager. At the end of that month, the Selman Stërmasi Stadium was reopened for the club to play their games again. Heading into January 2016, they only experienced defeat in just one game, against Skënderbeu in November 2015.

Grounds

Shallvare (1920–1946)

Main article: Shallvare

The club's first home ground was the Shallvare, located in the centre of Tirana where today is the existing Shallvare block, acquired by the club prior to their formation in 1920. The also field served as an amusement centre for the youth of Tirana to enjoy, and it was a popular gathering place where various games were played during religious holidays. Before its use as a football ground the site was use by the Ottoman garrison as a playground, and in 1916 it served as a runway for the Austrian-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops. The club played their first game at the Shallvare in 1920 against a team made up of the occupying Austrian-Hungarians. In 1925 there were changing rooms built at the ground, and in the early 1930s there was an athletics track built around the football pitch. The administrator of the ground was the football referee, Besim Hamdiu (Qorri), who only had one assistant in the maintenance of the ground. The ground did not have a main stand or seating area for spectators, but rather a two storied building that was constructed in 1923 by a member of parliament Masar Këlliçi . The building stood 50 metres away from the football pitch and was located in line with the middle of the pitch, with its balcony facing the field and the Dajt mountains. The ground was also used for other sporting events as well as military parades, one of which the president and later king Ahmet Zogu attended in 1927. The ground was destroyed in 1951 and Soviet–style apartment blocks were built onto of it instead.[28][29]

Qemal Stafa Stadium and Selman Stërmasi Stadium (1946–2014)

The home ground of KF Tirana is Selman Stërmasi Stadium, which is shared with city rivals Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, most derby and significant matches are played at the national team's Qemal Stafa Stadium; the stadium is also used if the Selman Stërmasi Stadium is unavailable as it is used by three different teams. The club has expressed its desire to rebuild the current Selman Stërmasi Stadium into a modern complex with around 15,000 to 20,000 season. They want it to be Albania's first modern post-Communism stadium without an athletic track around the field, which they hope will provide more atmosphere and attract more fans. However, it has not yet been decided when this will be built but it is rumoured to be the club's 100th anniversary present in 2020.[30]

Selman Stërmasi (1956–present)

Selman Stërmasi Stadium in its inaugural match.

KF Tirana plays most of its official and friendly games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana. The Selman Stërmasi Stadium was built in 1956 and was previously named the 'Dinamo' Stadium till 1991 when it was permanently given its new name. The Football Association of Albania and the club decided to name the stadium post mortem after the eminent KF Tirana player, coach and president, Selman Stërmasi.

The stadium has a capacity of 12,500 (6000 seated). In December 2014, another phase of reconstruction was started, involving a new pitch, central main covered stand, central fans stand including two extra rows extension, broken or missing seats replacements/repairs, interior facilities, general lineaments and a shopping centre just under central seated. The internal facilities include general repairs, a press conference room, journalists' corner and modern showers. The side fans stands will temporary be shut and covered by advertising boards. It is still unclear when will stadium lighting and scoreboard be fitted.[31]

The main parking area is located at the front of the stadium, which leads to the entrance. The whole external part of the stadium is surrounded by a 2.7 M (9 ft) rail fence.[32]

Skënder Halili Complex

The club's training ground is called the Skënder Halili Complex and it is located off of Rruga e Kavajës, near the Birra Tirana factory. The training complex was posthumously named after Skënder Halili, who was one of the club's most notable associates, both during his playing career and after. The complex features a full sized natural grass football pitch, as well as a smaller astro turf fan along with dressing rooms used by senior team as well as some of the youth teams. In December 2014 work began on both the Skënder Halili Complex and the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in order to fully renovate these grounds to be used by the club, and at the training ground the training facilities were all improved which included the dressing rooms and even the single stand that holds a small number of spectators for those wishing to attend training sessions and even occasional friendlies that are played at the ground.[33]

Supporters

Tirona Fanatics

Tirona Fanatics's Logo
Established 2006
Type Football Supporters Trust
Club KF Tirana
Motto Me ty u linda,me ty u rrita,vetëm Tirona n' stadium bërtita[34]
Headquarters Tirana, Albania
Affiliations Tifozat Kuq e Zi , Shvercerat Shkup , Plisat Prishtinë
Website www.tirona-fanatics.com

The club's main supporters group are called the Tirona Fanatics, who were officially formed on 8 January 2006 in order to unite all fans of KF Tirana in the capital, the rest of Albania and even abroad where their fans may live.[35][36][37][38]

The name of the fan club is written in the distinct dialect of Tirana as it is colloquially pronounces Tirona instead of Tirana. The supporters are considered to be one of the most organised and powerful fan clubs of any sport in Albania.

The fan group relies on membership fees being paid by its members for funding. They prepare and organise themselves in advance of home and away games, have self-established funds, their own logo, and all the required equipment commonly used by football supporters during matches.

The fans most numerous away trip abroad include trips to Trnava and Grevenmacher, and regularly attend Albania National Football Team matches. Since its creation, the membership number has noted a constant increase.

Friendships

Tirona Fanatics are in close cooperation with the Kosovan group Plisat of FC Prishtina, and Macedonian group Shvercerat of FK Shkupi.

Rivalries

The fans have three main rivals. Vllaznia Shkodër, one of the oldest derbies in the country, with the matches between them called the All-time Albanian derby. The other rivalries are the Tirana derbies with Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, since 2010s, they have developed a fierce rivalry with Skënderbeu Korçë since the latter side's rise to prominence.

Players

First team squad

As of 17 April 2016

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
1 Kosovo GK Ilir Avdyli
2 Albania DF Dritan Smajli
3 Albania DF Endrit Idrizaj
4 Albania DF Gentian Muça (3rd captain)
5 Serbia DF Dejan Karan
7 Albania MF Gilman Lika
8 Albania MF Ervin Bulku (Captain)
9 Albania FW Grent Halili
10 Albania MF Erjon Vuçaj
13 Albania MF Erando Karabeci (Vice-captain)
14 Albania MF Fjoralb Deliaj
16 Austria DF Ronald Gërçaliu
17 Albania MF Gjergji Muzaka (4th captain)
No. Position Player
18 Albania MF Dorian Kërçiku
19 Albania MF Elis Bakaj
20 Albania MF Enriko Papa
21 Albania DF Olsi Teqja
22 Albania GK Marsel Caka
23 Kosovo MF Argjend Malaj
24 Albania FW Kristjan Prendi
25 Albania MF Majkel Peci
28 Albania DF Erion Hoxhallari
29 Albania MF Marlind Nuriu
31 Albania GK Edvan Bakaj
99 Japan FW Masato Fukui

Current youth players with first-team experience

As of 17 April 2016 [A]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
— Albania GK Ditmar Shehri
— Albania MF Anxhelo Mumajesi
No. Position Player
— Albania MF Senad Sallaku
— Albania FW Ergys Sorra

Retired numbers

12 – Since the 2014–15 Albanian Superliga season, Tirona Fanatics of the Selman Stermasi Stadium, as a sign of recognition towards the fans who sit in the Tirona Fanatics, considered the 12th man in the pitch.

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
— Kosovo MF Allush Gavazaj (at Tërbuni Pukë)
— Albania DF David Domgjoni (at Kastrioti Krujë)
No. Position Player
— Republic of Macedonia FW Florian Kadriu (at Teuta Durrës)

Reserves and academy

The KF Tirana Reserves and Academy (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana Rezervat) are the reserve team of KF Tirana, They play in the North section of the Albanian U-19 Superliga and Albanian U-17 Superliga.

KF Tirana B

Main article: KF Tirana B

KF Tirana B (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana B) is KF Tirana's B team, and it was originally founded in 1932 but had since dissolved before it was refounded on 22 January 2013.

Former players

For details on former players, see Category:KF Tirana players.

Honours

KF Tirana is the most successful and decorated club in Albania, having won a record total of 49 major trophies, which includes 24 league titles. The club has earned 2 league stars as they have won over 20 titles, as well as a star for the Albanian Cup and Albanian Supercup for having won these trophies at least 10 times each.

Domestic

Albanian Superior League (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga)[39]

Albanian Cup (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Cup)

Albanian Supercup

Double

Taçi Oil

International

Balkans Cup

Records

Domestic

Europe

KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Since the Albanian Superliga began in 1930, KF Tirana have played 1853 Superliga matches, scored 3104 goals and conceded 1672. The club has collected so far 2649 points, won 973 games, drawn 472 and lost 408. The club's goal difference is +1432 and the winning difference is +565.[40]

Historical Goals Wins Draws Losses +/-Goals +/- Wins Points Matches
TOTAL3104-1672973472408+1432+56527491853

Data correct up to the end of the 2014–15 season.

See also: KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Last 10 seasons

Season Div. Albanian Superliga M W D L GSco GCon Pts Albanian Cup Albanian Supercup Europe
2005–06 1st Runners-up 36 17 11 8 54 33 62 Winners Winners UCL 2QR
2006–07 1st Champions 33 22 6 5 64 33 72 1/4 Finals Winners UCup 2QR
2007–08 1st 6 33 14 7 12 46 36 49 Runners-up  – UCL 1QR
2008–09 1st Champions 33 19 11 3 58 27 68 Runners-up Winners ——
2009–10 1st 3 33 15 7 11 38 32 52 1/4 Finals  – UCL 2QR
2010–11 1st 5 33 11 11 11 42 31 44 Winners Winners UEL 2QR
2011–12 1st 3 26 16 5 5 33 21 53 Winners Winners UEL 2QR
2012–13 1st 5 26 12 7 7 30 23 43 1/8 Finals  – UEL 2QR
2013–14 1st 6 33 14 8 11 36 31 50 1/8 Finals  – ——
2014–15 1st 4 36 21 8 7 47 27 71 SemiFinal  – ——

KF Tirana in Europe

In addition to being the best team in all domestic competitions, KF Tirana have also given the best performances in Europe among Albanian teams. Although Tirana have passed 11 times one European round, they have never gone further than that. However, white and blues hold the all-time record for the highest IFFHS ranking of an Albanian football club, being ranked as high as 31st in the World in 1987, as result of success preceded 1986–87.[41] In their European path, Tirana have played against "big guns" such as: AFC Ajax, FC Bayern Munich, A.C. Milan, etc. Drawn against reputable teams such as FC Dinamo București, Ferencvárosi TC, PFC CSKA Sofia, Stabæk IF, FC Utrecht, NK Dinamo Zagreb, IFK Göteborg, Malmö FF, Standard Liège, etc. In several occasions, respectable European names such as: FC Dinamo București, FC Dinamo Tbilisi, ND Gorica, NK Varteks, etc. have been eliminated from white and blues.

The best squad to compete in Europe was that of season 2004–05. After having easily passed FC Gomel of Belarus in the first round, Tirana played against Ferencvárosi TC in the second round. Having lost the first leg at home 2–3, KF Tirana produced fantastic football in Budapest and was leading 1–0, after which the team missed a penalty and the ball hit woodwork twice, but they just could not score the qualifying goal and therefore were eliminated with a 3–3 on aggregate.[42]

KF Tirana friendly match for social initiative

KF Tirana vs Milan. On 14 October 2008, KF Tirana and Milan took part, for the first time ever, in the "Taci Oil Albania Reads" project in Tirana. This new initiative had the goal to raise funds for the construction of new and modern libraries across Albania, a project launched by UNICEF. The proceeds of this event, sponsored by Taçi Oil helped to create 100 new libraries in Albanian schools, whilst also driving forward the improvement in learning, teaching and reading standards in schools. KF Tirana won the match 2–1.[43]

World & European Rankings

UEFA club coefficient ranking

(As of 11 April 2016)[44]

Rank Team Points
368Albania KF Laci2.325
369Armenia Ulisses FC2.325
370Moldova FC Tiraspol2.325
371Latvia FK Liepājas Metalurgs2.325
372Albania KF Tirana2.325
373Moldova FC Iskra-Stal2.325
374Iceland Thor Akureyri2.250
375Finland FC Inter Turku2.230
376Finland TPS Turku2.230

Records

Ervin Bulku is the seventh player with more caps for Tirana. Currently he has played 235 matches and scored 15 goals.

Most appearances (Superliga)
  PlayerApps
1AlbaniaElvis Sina419
2AlbaniaArben Minga387
3AlbaniaBlendi Nallbani310
4AlbaniaNevil Dede299
5AlbaniaAgustin Kola298
6AlbaniaRezart Dabulla245
7AlbaniaErvin Bulku235
8AlbaniaEldorado Merkoçi222
9AlbaniaIndrit Fortuzi214
10AlbaniaDevi Muka201
Top scorers (Superliga)
  PlayerGoals
1AlbaniaIndrit Fortuzi152
2AlbaniaArben Minga136
3AlbaniaAgustin Kola133
4AlbaniaShkëlqim Muça88
5AlbaniaPetrit Dibra70
6AlbaniaDevi Muka61
7AlbaniaSkënder Hyka60
8AlbaniaMahir Halili46
9AlbaniaEldorado Merkoçi43
10AlbaniaHamdi Salihi42

Managers

Managerial record

Coach from until Major Titles
Albania Selman Stërmasi 19301937 6 6x National Championships
Albania Myslym Alla 19561971 5 4x National Championships, Albanian Cup
Albania Zyber Konçi 19711976 0
Albania Fatmir Frasheri 19761980 2 2x Albanian Cup
Albania Enver Shehu 19801987 5 2x National Championships, 3x Albanian Cup
Albania Shyqyri Rreli 19871992 2 2x National Championships
Albania Fatmir Frasheri 19921993 0
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 1 July 19941 July 1995 2 Albanian Superliga, Albanian Supercup
Albania Sulejman Mema 1 July 19951 July 1996 2 Albanian Superliga, Albanian Cup
Albania Enver Shehu 1 July 19963 May 1997 1 Albanian Superliga
Albania Ramadan Shehu 3 May 19973 December 1998 0
Albania Ardian Mema 3 December 19983 May 1998 0
Albania Millan Baçi 3 May 19981 July 1998 0
Albania Sulejman Mema 1 July 19981 July 1999 2 Albanian Superliga, Albanian Cup
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 1 July 19991 July 2000 1 Albanian Superliga
Hungary Miklós Temesvári 1 July 200014 April 2001 1 Albanian Supercup
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 14 April 20011 May 2002 1 Albanian Cup
Albania Sulejman Mema 1 May 20021 July 2002 0
Bosnia and Herzegovina Enver Hadžiabdić 1 July 200228 Feb 2003 1 Albanian Supercup
Albania Fatmir Frashëri 28 Feb 20031 July 2003 1 Albanian Superliga
Albania Sulejman Mema 1 July 200325 Oct 2003 1 Albanian Supercup
Albania Mirel Josa 2 Nov 200320 Aug 2004 2 Albanian Superliga, Albanian Supercup
Albania Sulejman Starova 1 Sept 20041 July 2005 2 Albanian Superliga, Albanian Supercup
Italy Leonardo Menichini 1 July 200511 Nov 2005 0
Albania Krenar Alimehmeti 13 Nov 200515 Feb 2006 0
Albania Mirel Josa 17 Feb 200613 Nov 2006 2 Albanian Cup, Albanian Supercup
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 14 Nov 20061 July 2007 1 Albanian Superliga
Albania Sulejman Starova 1 July 200719 Sept 2007 1 Albanian Supercup
Albania Krenar Alimehmeti 22 Sept 200725 Sept 2007 0
Albania Astrit Hafizi 25 Sept 20073 Feb 2008 0
Albania Sulejman Mema 3 Feb 20081 July 2008 0
Bosnia and Herzegovina Blaž Slišković 1 July 200810 Dec 2008 0
Albania Agustin Kola 11 Dec 20082 May 2009 1
Albania Alban Tafaj 2 May 200921 June 2009 1 Albanian Superliga
Croatia Ilija Lončarević 21 June 20096 Oct 2009 1 Albanian Supercup
Albania Alban Tafaj 6 Oct 200926 Jan 2010 0
Albania Sulejman Starova 26 Jan 201010 Oct 2010 0
Albania Nevil Dede 11 Oct 20106 Feb 2011 0
Croatia Mišo Krstičević 8 Feb 201122 June 2011 1 Albanian Cup
Spain Julian Rubio 22 June 201131 Aug 2012 3 Albanian Cup, 2x Albanian Supercup
Albania Alban Tafaj 1 Sept 201216 Sept 2012 0
Albania Artur Lekbello 17 Sept 201230 Oct 2012 0
Albania Nevil Dede 30 Oct 201224 Oct 2013 0
Albania Alpin Gallo 25 Oct 201328 Nov 2013 0
Albania Gugash Magani 1 Dec 201317 May 2015 0
Nigeria Ndubuisi Egbo 18 May 20151 June 2015 0
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 1 June 201517 Oct 2015 0
Serbia Ivan Gvozdenovic 18 Oct 201528 Oct 2015 0
Albania Ilir Daja 28 Oct 2015

Current coaching staff

Position Name
Head Coach Albania Ilir Daja
Assistant Manager Serbia Ivan Gvozdenović
Physiotherapist Albania Altin Haxhia
Physiotherapist Albania Arzen Voci
Coordinator Albania Eduard Gjini
Goalkeeping Coach Nigeria Ndubuisi Egbo
U-19 Head Coach Albania Astrit Hafizi
U-17 Head Coach Albania Sulejman Mema
U-15 Head Coach Albania Kadri Pengili
U-12 Head Coach Albania Irfan Bujari
U-10 Head Coach Albania Bujar Lubani

Top scorers Golden Foot

Season Top-scorer Team Goals
1930Albania Emil Hajnali
Albania Rexhep Maçi		SK Tirana3
1932Albania Haki KorçaSK Tirana4
1934Albania Mark GurashiSK Tirana12
1936Albania Riza LushtaSK Tirana11
1937Albania Riza LushtaSK Tirana25
1978–79Albania Petrit DibraSK Tirana14
1984–85AlbaniaArben MingaSK Tirana13
1987–88Albania Agustin KolaSK Tirana18
1988–89Albania Agustin KolaSK Tirana19
2000–01Albania Indrit FortuziSK Tirana30
2001–02Albania Indrit FortuziSK Tirana24
2002–03Albania Mahir HaliliSK Tirana20
2005–06Albania Hamdi SalihiSK Tirana29
2008–09Albania Migen MemelliSK Tirana22

Kit suppliers

Kit provider Period Shirt sponsor
United KingdomUmbro 1988–91 Ariston
1993–97 Parmalat
Germany Adidas 1998–99 Kent
1999–00 Hawaii
Spain Joma 2000–01
2001–02 Volkswagen
Germany Jako 2002–04
Germany Puma 2004–06
Germany Adidas 2006–08
Germany Puma 2008–09
Italy Lotto 2009–10 none
Germany Adidas 2010–11
Italy Macron 2011–12 BPP
Italy Errea 2012–13 none
Italy Legea 2013–2016
2016-2026 Birra Tirana

KF Tirana Sponsorship

Sponsor Type Name
Main Sponsors Halili Constructions, Municipality of Tirana
Secondary Sponsors Lani ltd, BHI-Tirana, Lajthiza Water, Boga ltd
Official clothing provider Legea

Presidents

KF Tirana has historically been managed and owned by one president. The only exception is during period of 2007–2008, when the presidency was vacant and club was managed by a number of sponsors. KF Tirana has had numerous presidents over the course of its history, most of which have also been the owners of the club, whilst others have only been honorific presidents such as Bamir Topi and Fatmir Frasheri. The club has had a total of 13 presidents, in total from 1920 until the present day. The most successful president in history is considered to be the Egyptian millionaire Metwally El Sayed who was president of the club during the period 1999–2004. The president who has had the longest management over the club has been Selman Stermasi who was owner and president from 1936 until 1960, whilst the president with the shortest management has been Fatmir Frasheri, who only lasted a single year from 2004–2005. Below is the official presidential history of KF Tirana, from when the club was formed, until the present day.[45]

Presidents history

[46]

Name From–to
Albania Bahri Toptani 1920–1933
Albania Stefan Shundi 1933–1936
Albania Selman Stermasi 1936–1960
Albania Lame Konomi 1960–1970
Albania Nuri Bylyku 1970–1983
Albania Clirim Hysi 1983–1985
Albania Zija Shaba 1985–1993
Albania Metush Seferi 1993–1998
Albania Lutfi Nuri 1998–1999
Egypt Metwally El Sayed 1999–2004
Albania Fatmir Frashëri 2004–2005
Albania Bamir Topi 2005–2007
Albania Refik Halili 2007–2011
Albania Lulzim Basha 2011–2013
Albania Refik Halili 2013–

KF Tirana's champions

(4 times or more)

# Champion Times Seasons
1Nevil Dede81995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007
Blendi Nallbani81995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2009
3Krenar Alimehmeti71985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
Eldorado Merkoçi71995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005
5Adem Karapici61930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937
Arben Minga61982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996
Agustin Kola61982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1997
Ardian Mema61989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
Sokol Bulku61996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004
Elvis Sina61997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
Devi Muka61999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
Rezart Dabulla61999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
Ervin Bulku61999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Isli Hidi61999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
15Mark Gurashi51930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937
Rudolf Gurashi51930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937
Emil Hajnali51930, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937
Florian Riza51988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 2000
Indrit Fortuzi51995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004
Alpin Gallo51995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
Alban Tafaj51999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
Saimir Patushi52003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
23Selman Stërmasi41930, 1931, 1932, 1934
Hysen Kusi41930, 1931, 1932, 1936
Pavllo Bukoviku41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Luigj Bytyçi41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Fatmir Frashëri41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Skënder Hyka41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Bahri Ishka41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Ali Mema41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Osman Mema41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Niko Xhaçka41965, 1966, 1968, 1970
Shkëlqim Muça41982, 1985, 1988, 1989
Mirel Josa41982, 1985, 1988, 1989
Leonard Liti41982, 1985, 1988, 1989
Bedri Omuri41982, 1985, 1988, 1989
Bujar Sharra41982, 1985, 1988, 1989
Anesti Stoja41985, 1988, 1989, 1995
Ansi Agolli42003, 2004, 2005, 2009
Gentjan Hajdari42003, 2004, 2005, 2007

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Official webpage of KF Tirana
  2. ↑ "World Stadiums – Stadiums in Albania". Worldstadiums.com. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  3. ↑ List of unrelegated association football clubs
  4. ↑ "KF Tirana". ECA.
  5. ↑ "peshkupauje.com". Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  6. ↑ Gjergj Kola. "Palok Nika, personazhi historik i sportit shqiptar" (in Albanian). Shkodra Sport. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  7. ↑ Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore
  8. 1 2 Kur u themelua Sportklub Tirana? Besnik Dizdari on Panorama-Sport 7 November 2012
  9. ↑ Kampionati 1, sezoni 1930
  10. ↑ Dovana, portieri që shënoi në Tirana
  11. ↑ Albania 1933
  12. ↑ Albania 1934
  13. ↑ Albania 1936
  14. ↑ Albania 1937
  15. ↑ Giovanni Armillotta
  16. ↑ Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore (Albanian)
  17. ↑ FSH (2013-02-28). "AFA's General Assembly: War championships are not legitimate". Partizani.net. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  18. ↑ Albania 1945
  19. ↑ "SK Tirana Forum". Sktirana.com. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  20. ↑ "Dictature eliminates true champions". Ballikombit.org. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  21. ↑ "RSSSF Albania". Rsssf.com. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  22. ↑ "RSSSF Champions". Rsssf.com. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  23. ↑ 2011–12 UEFA Europa League#Second qualifying round
  24. ↑ Tirana kthehet ne sh.a. (in Albanian)
  25. ↑ Dreka e lamtumirës Rubio, drejtuesve: Do të iki të punoj te Reali i Madridit; Sport Ekspres, 29 August 2012 (Albanian)
  26. ↑ "Give Tirana what belongs to...Tirana". Panorama-sport.com. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  27. ↑ "Tirana given for use for next 18 years". Panorama-sport.com. Retrieved 2014-06-26.
  28. ↑ Fusha e Shallvares, fusha e parë sportive zyrtare në Tirana
  29. ↑ Na ishin njëherë fushat sportive të Tiranas
  30. ↑ New stadium plans (in Albanian)
  31. ↑ "Selman Stermasi Stadium". sportishqiptar.com.al. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  32. ↑ "Selman Stermasi Stadium". Kftirana.info. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  33. ↑ "Skender Halili training ground". supersport.al. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  34. ↑ SK Tirana Online
  35. ↑ Saisonfinale auf Albanisch – Fussball – Blick
  36. ↑ http://www.tirana1920.info/Historia.html
  37. ↑ http://www.sktirana.com/public/kuvend/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=466 (in Albanian)
  38. ↑ Giovanni Armillotta: "Drejt njohjes së tre Kampionate Kombëtare të Luftës: 1939, 1940 dhe 1942"
  39. ↑ http://uk.soccerway.com/teams/albania/kf-tirana/67/trophies/
  40. ↑ KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga
  41. ↑ "Skenderbeu 178th but Tirana 31st".
  42. ↑ UEFA Champions League 2004-05#Second qualifying round
  43. ↑ "Tirana upsets Milan". Youtube. 19 February 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  44. ↑ http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/club/index.html
  45. ↑ kftirana.info. "Club Presidency". kftirana.info. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
  46. ↑ "List of all Presidents". kftirana.info. Retrieved 2010-06-01.

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