Albania Football Association criticizes President Begaj over passport delays

The Albania Football Association (FSHF) has raised concerns regarding the Presidency of Albania and its role in delaying passport issuances for young football talents. Tefik Osmani, head of scouting at FSHF, publicly questioned President Bajram Begaj regarding a perceived double standard in administrative procedures.

Osmani noted that while procedures for Kosovar players, such as Albion Rrahmani, have been completed, documentation for approximately ten young Albanian players seeking to represent the national team remains stalled. The FSHF reports that they have been told to wait for a Council of Ministers decision due to legal changes, a delay that officials argue risks losing promising talents during critical stages of their development.

Critics of the President's office suggest that these administrative hurdles act as a de facto blockade for players wishing to play for Albania, calling for a public explanation regarding the inconsistent application of legal standards in these cases.