In preparation for the upcoming international football match between Albania and Poland scheduled for September 10 at Tirana’s “Air Albania” stadium, the Albanian State Police has unveiled a comprehensive plan to ensure public order and safety throughout the event.
The plan encompasses various tasks to be carried out by all relevant authorities to guarantee the safety and security of fans, players, and officials attending the match. The measures undertaken by the State Police include:
- Safeguarding and escorting the Polish national football team from Rinas Airport to their hotel, the stadium, and back to the airport.
- Ensuring the security of the Albanian national football team players at the stadium.
- Conducting rigorous security checks within and around the stadium to prevent unauthorized individuals, prohibited items, and substances from entering the venue, both before and during the arrival of spectators.
- Coordinating public order services not only in the immediate vicinity of the stadium but also overseeing security throughout Tirana.
- Facilitating emergency service access and managing road traffic in Tirana before, during, and after the football match.
To ensure the seamless execution of these safety measures, collaborative efforts have been established with various institutions involved in the event’s organization. These include the Albanian Football Federation, Municipal Police, Fire Department, private security firms (comprising stewards and security personnel), healthcare facilities, and first aid services.
Furthermore, active cooperation is ongoing with the security personnel of the Polish national football team to enhance safety standards throughout the event’s duration.
To accommodate the event and ensure smooth traffic flow in Tirana on September 10, 2023, the Albanian State Police, in conjunction with the Municipality of Tirana, will impose temporary traffic restrictions on several key roadways near the stadium. These road closures include:
- “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, 20 meters north of the Dajti Bridge.
- “Papa Gjon Pali II” Street.
- “Dervish Hima” Street, near the US Embassy.
- “Asim Zeneli” Street, adjacent to the US Embassy.
- “Themistokli Gërmenji” Street.
- “Ismail Qemali” Street, at the school intersection.
- “Mustafa Matohiti” Street, near the “Kosova” school.
- “Jul Variboba” Street, near the post office.
- “Lekë Dukagjini” Street, near the former Republic Guard.
- “Avdyl Frashëri” Street, at the University Bookstore intersection.
As part of the comprehensive security plan, State Police officers will conduct thorough checks of spectators prior to entry into the stadium to prevent the introduction of prohibited items, racist materials, fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics, metal objects, tents, lighters, phone chargers, and other potentially hazardous items.
It is important to note that according to the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania, any acts of violence during sporting events, such as unauthorized intrusion onto the field by unapproved individuals, constitute a criminal offense punishable by fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 Albanian lek. When such acts disrupt the normal course of the sporting event, they may result in fines or imprisonment for up to three months.
Similarly, the throwing of dangerous objects onto the field or into the crowd, as well as the possession or use of pyrotechnic materials, fireworks, flares, during a sporting event, are subject to imprisonment ranging from six months to three years under Albanian penal law.
Furthermore, the assault or commission of violent acts against athletes, coaches, referees, or sports intermediaries due to their involvement in sports activities constitutes a criminal offense, carrying a penalty of imprisonment for one to three years. When this offense is committed within sports environments, more than once, or by officials or members of sports clubs, it may lead to imprisonment for one to five years.
