History of KF Tirana

KF Tirana squad in September 1970.

KF Tirana (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit 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 51 recognized major domestic trophies. They play their home games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana and they play in the Albanian Superliga.

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 semi-finals, where they defeated Kavajë 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.[1]

Early years (1920–1929)

On 15 August 1920, shortly after Tirana became the capital city of Albania, patriot and football enthusiast Palokë Nika, who had already formed 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 Sportklub Tirona, which a few months later was changed into Futboll Klub Tirona. 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.[2]

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.[3] On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica.[4]

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.[5] 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.[4]

The following season the club introduced former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Vasfi Samimi into the team, who had represented Sportklub Vlorë the previous season.[6] 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 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. 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. Tirana complained to the Albanian Football Association on the grounds that a registered goalkeeper cannot play as an outfield player,[7] 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 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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] 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. Tirana won the final 6-5 and the championship trophy.

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.[12][13]

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.[14]

A ridiculous decision, considering the fact that AFA has officially recognized the King's Cup in February 1939 and KF Tirana as winner. Cup was concluded just few months prior to the 1939 championship start and AFA were in full charge and control of all sport activities.

Postwar period (1944–1957)

Myslym Alla, served for Tirana as a player and manager.

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 Shqiponja Gjirokastër. 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.[15]

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.[16] As a result, "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–57, 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 1966–67 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo Tirana.[17][18]

After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–70 season.[19]

The club also managed to get some historic results in European competitions, with the most notable being the 2–2 draw against AFC Ajax in 1970–71 European Cup.[20] Ajax eventually went on to win the tournament for the first time. Fortyeight years later, all members of that match were honoured by President of Albania Ilir Meta.[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 1981–82 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–85, 1987–88 and 1988–89 and the Albanian Cup in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1985–86. The club was also successful in European club competitions, reaching there the round of 16 four times in the 1980s, and many of the team's players made up the core of the Albania national football team, such as Agustin Kola, Arben Minga, Shkelqim Muca and Mirel Josa.[22][23][24]

Domination (1991–2007)

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. The team returned to the winning ways by winning the Albanian Cup in the 1993–94 season, defeating 1–0 on aggregate Teuta Durrës.[25] Shortly after, in January 1995, the team won also their first Albanian Supercup trophy, defeating 1–0 Teuta Durrës at Qemal Stafa Stadium. A couple of months later, they clinched their 15th championship by finishing 12 points ahead of the runner-up Teuta Durrës.[26]

Bledi Nallbani, Tata, played 17 seasons for the club, making more than 300 appearances.

This championship was followed by another one in the 1995–96 season, as Tirana won it just one point ahead of Teuta Durrës once again.[27] The team also clinched the cup in that season, completing the domestic double for the second time in history. Another domestic double followed in 1998–99 season. In the following years, Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football, winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.[28] The team also dominated in the domestic cups, adding to their trophy cabinet three Albanian Cups and five other Albanian Supercups.

Even though Tirana dominated in nearly last three decades, since 2007 club have displayed instability in management, which has also reflected in the results.[29] Several factors have affected negatively the presentation, not only in the domestic competitions, but also the international appearances.

Decline and changes in ownership (2007–present)

Post El-Sayed era

Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club won the championship comfortably,[30] 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 first qualifying round.[31][32] 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, Laçi, Kastrioti Krujë and Elbasani to reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër, which they lost 2–0 as they failed to save their season.

Tirana had a successful 2008–09 season, where they won their 24 league title as well reach the final of the Albanian Cup.[33][34] The central figure of Tirana's success was striker Migen Memelli,[35] brought on loan from Sweden's GAIS, who scored 22 goals in league and 8 in cup. On 14 October 2008, thet faced Italian giants Milan in a friendly as part of the first ever Taçi Oil Cup, also known as the Taçi Oil Albania Reads Trophy, which was a UNICEF backed project aimed at raising funds to create 100 new libraries in schools across Albania. Tirana defeated a strong Milan side 2–1, following goals from Daniel Xhafaj and Gjergji Muzaka before Ronaldinho scored a conciliation goal in injury time.[36]

Despite winning the league the previous season, Tirana struggled during the 2009–10 campaign and the instability in terms of the ownership proved to be detrimental to their season as they went trophy-less, finishing third in the league and being knocked out in the quarter-finals 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 led 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 Spartak Trnava.[37]

Status change

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.[38]

Julián Rubio era

Tirana playing at Stadion Galgenwaard against Utrecht in the UEFA Europa League.

Tirana won the Supercup and Cup during the 2011–12 season despite major financial setbacks caused by the change in status. Spanish coach Julián Rubio led the team during this season, while in league he managed a third-place finish 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,[39] and they failed to bring in quality players in time for their UEFA Europa League run, which saw them being knocked out by Slovakian side Spartak Trnava in the second qualifying round.[40]

Julián Rubio left the club in August 2012 due to a contract disagreement after winning yet another Supercup trophy.[41] He was replaced by former Tirana player Artur Lekbello,[42] but he struggled in charge and after a poor start to the season he handed in his resignation after just 42 days.[43] 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.[44]

Refik Halili II and avoided relegation

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,[45] who himself lasted only 5 games before being fired.[46] 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.[47] 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.[48]

Refik Halili III

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.[49] Ahead of the 2014–15 season, 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,[50] as Skënderbeu Korçë, 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 Tirana failed to carry on their good form in the closing stages of the season and ultimately finished fourth. Kukësi lost the final of the Albanian Cup to Laçi which meant that Tirana also failed to qualify for the Europa League, thus ending the season trophy-less and failing to qualify for Europe.[51] 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.[52]

Magani left the club at the end of the season,[53] 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 Korçë, Partizani Tirana and Flamurtari Vlorë which meant their title chances were on the brink of slipping away for yet another season.[54] Just before November 2015, Ilir Daja took over to be the next manager.[55] 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 Korçë in November 2015. However, subsequently Tirana ended the League at the 5th spot, in a neutral position, yet again trophy-less and out of European participation for the 3rd time in a row. Cup campaign saw them only reaching quarter-finals, eliminated from Flamurtari Vlorë, even though having won the first leg away match.[56][57]

Relegation for the first time in history

The 2016–17 season was one of the most strange and contradictory seasons. From title contender halfway through the season, Tirana fell continuously to dramatically succumb to relegation for the first time in their history. The season started well with coach Ilir Daja and by end of first quarter Tirana had lost only one match and was 3 points from the top of the table. However, Daja got sacked after the home draw against Vllaznia Shkodër.[58] Mirel Josa was then appointed as the new coach.[59] Even though he won the next two home matches, Tirana started wasting points home and away (especially a home draw against Korabi Peshkopi).[60] To add further to the insult, an unexpected agreement between Tirana's president and their rivals, KF Partizani agreed that Tirana was to share their home stadium for the rest of the season with Partizani Tirana,[61] this broke the club's relationship with their fans who had always opposed such an agreement. They subsequently abandoned the matches for the entire season as a result.[62]

By end of half season, club dismissed several "unsuitable" players. And as Tirana was preparing to bring new players such as Elis Bakaj and others in order to withstand the rest of season,[63] they faced UEFA's restrictions due to a pending debt. This caused further shrinkage in the group's quality.[64] By end of the third quarter, the team was struggling at bottom four with three matches left, Tirana needed at least 5 points to completely elude relegation. Their last game was an away match against Vllaznia Shkodër who were themselves fighting to stay in the League and needed just one point, whereas Tirana needed the win. However, after a hard-fought match, they tied the game, finished the season 9th and were therefore relegated.[65] Contrary to league display, Tirana won the cup for record 16th time defeating Skënderbeu Korçë in final after extra time. Tirana did not lose a single match along the campaign. Cup trophy also meaning participation in the Europa League qualifying round after a 5-year absence.[66]

First Division dominance and quick promotion

Club's smart move on an unknown territory was keeping nearly all their players with unchanged salaries, as they used to get in top flight.[67] Tirana became the only club in First Division to have an overall high budget, compared with only top clubs in Superliga. Club approached Zé Maria, a former Inter Milan player with 25 caps for Brazil.[68] Zé Maria brought his own professional staff. His first official challenge would be Europa League first qualifying round matches against Maccabi, both lost with Tirana eliminated.[69] Tirana became the first Albanian football club post relegation, to compete in European competition and at the same time win a major domestic trophy.

After their short European adventure, club started serious preparations for the journey in First Division. Zé Maria's first trophy as Tirana coach would be the Supercup, defeating Kukësi with a last minute goal of promising talent Erion Hoxhallari.[70] In the league Tirana dominated with hammering results in either home or away matches.[71][72] Club's goal of a quick promotion in Superliga was reached with 3 spare rounds to play.[73] White and blues also won the trophy of First Division, in their 2–0 won final against the other group winners Kastrioti Krujë.[74] At the domestic Cup Tirana reached quarter finals, however their progress was cut short when eliminated from Kukësi.[75]

References

  1. ↑ "Tirana, trofeun e parë në futboll?!" [Tirana, the first trophy in football?!] (in Albanian). Peshku pa Ujë. 1 January 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  2. ↑ Gjergj Kola. "Palok Nika, personazhi historik i sportit shqiptar" [Palok Nika, the historic character of Albanian sport] (in Albanian). Shkodra Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  3. ↑ Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore Archived 5 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. 1 2 Besnik Dizdari (7 November 2012). "Kur u themelua Sportklub Tirana?" [When was Sportklub Tirana founded?] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  5. ↑ Kampionati 1, sezoni 1930
  6. ↑ "Vasfi Samimi, legjionari i parë shqiptar" [Vasfi Samimi, the first Albanian legionary] (in Albanian). Sporti Shqiptar. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  7. ↑ "Dovana, portieri që shënoi në Tirana" [Dovana, the goalkeeper who scored at Tirana] (in Albanian). Durrës Lajm. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  8. ↑ Albania 1933
  9. ↑ Albania 1934
  10. ↑ Albania 1936
  11. ↑ Albania 1937
  12. ↑ Giovanni Armillotta
  13. ↑ Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore (in Albanian)
  14. ↑ FSH (2013-02-28). "AFA's General Assembly: War championships are not legitimate". Partizani.net. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  15. ↑ "Albania Football Season 1945". Giovanni Armillotta. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
  16. ↑ "Skënder Halili: Si u arrestua nga sigurimi pse refuzoi Dinamon" [Skënderbeu Halili: How he was arrested by the security for refusing Dinamo] (in Albanian). Gazeta Tema. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  17. ↑ "SK Tirana Forum". Sktirana.com. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  18. ↑ "Dictature eliminates true champions". Ballikombit.org. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  19. ↑ "RSSSF Albania". Rsssf.com. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-25.
  20. ↑ "KS 17 Nentori Tirana 2:2 AFC Ajax". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  21. ↑ "FOTO/ Barazimi historik me Ajaksin në 1970, Presidenti Meta nderon ekipin e 17-Nëntorit" [PHOTO/ The historic draw with Ajax in 1970, President Meta honoures the team of 17 Nëntori] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  22. ↑ "Profil, Mirel Josa / Nga Shpresa e mrekullive, te titulli i artë…" [Profile, Mirel Josa / From Under-21 of miracles, to the golden title…] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  23. ↑ "Agustin Kola, Mjeshtër i Merituar sporti, një nga ikonat e futbollit bardheblu" [Agustin Kola, Deserved Sports Master, one of the whiteblue's football icons] (in Albanian). Zemra Shqiptare. 8 February 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  24. ↑ "Arben Minga, gjiganti që tronditi Byronë Politike në legjendaren "7-3" të 1985-s" [Arben Minga, the giant who shaked the political bureau in the legendary "7-3" of 1985] (in Albanian). Gazeta Tema. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  25. ↑ "Albania 1993/94". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  26. ↑ "Albanian Football Season 1994-95". Giovanni Armillotta. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  27. ↑ "Albanian Football Season 1995-96". Giovanni Armillotta. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  28. ↑ Eric Boesenberg. "Albania - List of Champions". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  29. ↑ "KF Tirana, përplasen klubi dhe Bashkia" [KF Tirana, the club and the municipality clashes] (in Albanian). Botasot.info. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  30. ↑ "Albania 2006/07". RSSSF.com. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  31. ↑ "Domžale 1-0 Tirana". UEFA.com. 18 July 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  32. ↑ "Tirana 1-2 Domžale". UEFA.com. 25 July 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  33. ↑ "Tirana, 24 here kampione e Shqiperise" [Tirana, 24 times champion of Albania]. Top-Channel.tv (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 24 May 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  34. ↑ "Flamurtari i rrëmben Tiranës Kupën dhe UEFA-n" [Flamurtari takes from Tirana the cup and UEFA]. BalkanWeb.com (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 7 May 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  35. ↑ "Migen Memelli, blerja e bujshme e rekordmenëve" [Migen Memelli, the sensational purchase of recordmans]. Albanian Sport (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  36. ↑ Danilo Pochini (14 October 2008). "Milan Beaten By Tirana In Friendly". Goal.com. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  37. ↑ 2011–12 UEFA Europa League#Second qualifying round
  38. ↑ ""Tirana" vlen 5 miliardë lekë" ["Tirana" worth 5 billion lek] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  39. ↑ "Ceki/ Bekim Balaj firmos per tre vjet me Sparten e Prages" [Czechia/ Bekim Balaj signs for three years with Sparta Prague] (in Albanian). Albania Soccer. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  40. ↑ "Spartak Trnava 3-1 Tirana". UEFA.com. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  41. ↑ "Dreka e lamtumirës Rubio, drejtuesve: Do të iki të punoj te Reali i Madridit" [Farewell's dinner of Rubio, to the directors: I'll go to work with Real Madrid] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 11 January 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  42. ↑ "Artur Lekbello, trajneri i ri i Tiranës" [Artur Lekbello, the new coach of Tirana] (in Albanian). Sport.Albeu.com. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  43. ↑ "Rezultatet e dobëta, ikën Lekbello, vjen Tafaj" [Poor results, Lekbello goes, Tafaj arrives] (in Albanian). Panorama.com.al. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  44. ↑ "Jepini Tiranës atë i takon… Tiranës" [Give Tirana what belongs to...Tirana] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 December 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  45. ↑ Adela Merko (27 October 2013). "Gallo firmos me Tiranën, Çota: Sot nis kthesa jonë" [Gallo signs with Tirana, Çota: Our turn begins now] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  46. ↑ Adela Merko (25 November 2013). "Babasi: Halili të shlyejë detyrimet, më pas do të njoftohet" [Babasi: Halili to pay off his obligations, then he will be notified] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  47. ↑ "Magani, trajneri i ri i Tiranës" [Magani, the new coach of Tirana] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  48. ↑ Ermal Sika (4 May 2014). "Barazim në Vlorë, mbijeton Tirana. Magani: Tani që ia dolëm, jam i gatshëm që të rinovoj" [A draw in Vlorë, Tirana survives. Magani: Now that we made it, i'm ready to renew] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  49. ↑ Adela Merko (27 June 2014). "Tirana do menaxhohet nga aksionerë. Jepet në përdorim për 18 vite, ndahen borxhet" [Tirana will be managed by shareholders. Will be used for 18 years, debts are allocated] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  50. ↑ "Mbyllet faza e parë e Superiores, Tirana dhe Partizani kryesojnë me nga 18 pikë" [The first part of Albanian Superliga ends, Tirana and Partizani leads with 18 points] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  51. ↑ "Laçi fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, mund 2-1 Kukësin në finale. Veliaj dhe Xhejms bënë diferencën" [Laçi wins Albanian Cup, defeats 2-1 Kukësi in the final. Veliaj and James makes the difference (VIDEO)] (in Albanian). Panorama.com.al. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  52. ↑ "Stadiumi Selman Stermasi do te jete gati per vitin e ardhshem" [Selman Stërmasi Stadium will be ready for the next year] (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  53. ↑ "Magani largohet nga Tirana, mister destinacioni" [Magani flees from Tirana, the destination a mystery] (in Albanian). Gazeta Dita. 18 May 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  54. ↑ "Tirana, shkarkohet Shkëlqim Muça" [Tirana, Shkëlqim Muça sacked] (in Albanian). Botasot.info. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  55. ↑ "Ilir Daja merr drejtimin e skuadrës së Tiranës" [Ilir Daja takes charge of Tirana team] (in Albanian). Gazeta Tema. 28 October 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  56. ↑ "VIDEO/ Flamurtari përmbys Tiranën, vlonjatët fitojnë mes tensionit" [VIDEO/ Flamurtari overturns Tirana, wins between tension] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  57. ↑ "VIDEO/ Tirana fiton në Vlorë me Flamurtarin, vendos goli i Malajt" [Tirana wins in Vlora with Flamurtari, Malaj's goal decides] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  58. ↑ "Trajneri Ilir Daja dorëhiqet nga Tirana" [Coach Ilir Daja resigns from Tirana] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 1 November 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  59. ↑ "Prezantohet Josa: Tirana një përgjegjësi" [Josa presented: Tirana a responsibility] (in Albanian). Klan Kosova. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  60. ↑ "Triumfon Partizani, ngec Tirana, barazon me Korabin" [Partizani triumphs, Tirana flounder, draw with Korabi] (in Albanian). Java News. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  61. ↑ "Zyrtare: Partizani do të luajë në "Selman Stermasi"" [Official: Partizani will play at “Selman Stermasi”] (in Albanian). Gazeta Tema. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  62. ↑ ""Tirona Fanatics" vazhdon bojkotin" [“Tirona Fanatics” continue the boycott] (in Albanian). City News Albania. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  63. ↑ "Lajm i mirë për Tiranën, Elis Bakaj vishet sërish bardheblu" [Good news for Tirana, Elis Bakaj dressed again white&blue] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  64. ↑ "Tirana e pëson nga borxhet, FIFA i bllokon merkaton dhe Bakajn" [Tirana suffers from debts, FIFA blocks their transfer market and Bakaj] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  65. ↑ "Tragjike, Tirana bie nga kategoria për herë të parë në histori" [Tragical, Tirana relegated for the first time in history] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  66. ↑ "Tirana fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, sezoni 2016-2017" [Tirana wins Albanian Cup, 2016-2017 season] (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  67. ↑ ""Senatorët" nisin fushatë te Tirana, po bindin lojtarët që të qëndrojnë" ["Senators" begins campaign at Tirana, they are convincing the players to stay] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  68. ↑ Dennis Mabuka (16 June 2017). "EX-GOR MAHIA COACH ZE MARIA APPOINTED IN ALBANIA". Goal.com. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  69. ↑ "Tirana 0-3 M. Tel-Aviv". UEFA.com. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  70. ↑ "Finalja e Superkupës, Tirana godet në fund" [Supercup final, Tirana strikes at the end] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 6 September 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  71. ↑ "Tirana "show", Shkumbini turpërohet në Peqin" [Tirana “show”, Shkumbini humiliated at Peqin] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 14 October 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  72. ↑ Julian Hoxhaj (17 December 2017). "Kategoria e Parë, Tirana shkërmoq Pogradecin, vulos kreun e renditjes në Grupin B" [Albanian First Division, Tirana crumble Pogradeci, seals the lead of ranking in Group B] (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  73. ↑ "Futbolli në festë, Tirana rikthehet në Superiore" [Football is celebrating, Tirana returns to Superliga] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  74. ↑ "VIDEO/ Dopieta e Grecës, Tirana mposht Kastriotin dhe shpallet kampione e Kategorisë së Parë" [VIDEO/ Greca's double, Tirana defeats Kastrioti and named Albanian First Division champion] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  75. ↑ "Kukësi eliminon Tiranën nga Kupa e Shqipërisë. Kualifikohet Laçi" [Kukësi eliminates Tirana from Albanian Cup, Laçi qualifies] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqiptare. 14 February 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
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