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The Serbian Football Federation has reacted after the decision to move the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Serbia and Albania from the Belgrade stadium to 'Duboçica' in Leskovac.
In an official statement, the Serbian Federation thanked the Albanian Football Federation and UEFA for their cooperation and understanding, stressing that the safety of players, fans and organizational staff was the main reason for this change. The Federation recalled the incidents of 2014 as an example of the risks that can arise in this duel.
According to her, organizing the event in Belgrade would not be able to guarantee the necessary security conditions, while the Leskovac stadium offers a positive atmosphere. This decision also reduces the risk of sanctions from FIFA and UEFA, while preserving the reputation of Serbian football.
The Serbian Federation stressed that this change was made after detailed analysis of organizational possibilities to avoid incidents and guarantee a safe sporting event. The return match will take place on October 11, while the first meeting in Tirana ended in a 0-0 draw. The duel is decisive for the fate of Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The full reaction of the Serbian Football Federation:
With the approval of the Albanian Football Federation, UEFA has approved that the World Cup qualifying match scheduled for October 11 at 20:45 will be played at the 'Duboçica' stadium in Leskovac.
After the match against England in Belgrade, the decision to change the location was made based on detailed analysis of all aspects related to organizing a high-risk sporting event such as the upcoming duel with Albania.
The main reason is safety. Not only of the fans, but above all of the players and all other actors in the match.
Such a meeting carries the highest level of risk and requires full control in order to prevent incidents such as those we have already had the opportunity to see in the duels between these two teams. We all remember well the events and consequences from Belgrade in 2014.
The Football Federation of Serbia has been under special attention from FIFA and UEFA disciplinary bodies for a long time due to incidents in the stands, which carries a real risk of severe punishments, even longer suspensions.
Changing the location and organization of the match in Leskovac significantly reduces the risk of possible excesses and thus contributes to protecting the reputation of Serbian football and the interests of the national team. An equally important reason is the atmosphere at the 'Dubočica' stadium and the fact that in all previous matches, the audience in Leskovac gave our national team unstinting support and cheered from the first minute to the last.
The Football Federation of Serbia expresses its gratitude to UEFA and the Albanian Football Federation for their understanding and constructive cooperation in making this decision.
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