Vllaznia President Reacts to Referee Video and Apologizes: ‘Ergys Spahiu Had No Fault

Alban Xhaferi, president of Vllaznia, has reacted after a video was published on social media showing his verbal clash with referee Ergys Spahiu following the Elbasani–Vllaznia match.

Calling his behavior unacceptable, Xhaferi has publicly apologized to the referee and his family. He has stated that there is no personal conflict between them and that the matter has been clarified in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.

The president of the Shkodra club also apologized to Albanian families, as well as to all those who saw or heard the footage. According to him, that behavior does not reflect the upbringing and values he represents.

In his response, Xhaferi writes that the video of the clash that occurred at the end of the match is circulating rapidly on social media, 48 hours after the conclusion of the Elbasani–Vllaznia encounter.

He says he does not wish to dwell on the circumstances and reasons that pushed him to that reaction, because none of them can justify the action. For this reason, he says he considers it a duty to provide an explanation to the public.

Xhaferi first offers a deep and public apology to referee Ergys Spahiu and his family for the way he acted in a moment of tension and extraordinary psychological pressure. He acknowledges that the reaction toward the referee was unacceptable and emphasizes that Spahiu personally had no fault in that clash.

Furthermore, the head of Vllaznia clarifies that his battle is not directed, and will not be directed, against specific individuals. According to him, the opposition concerns a system that, in his conviction, is severely damaging trust in Albanian football.

He calls on the president of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), Mr. Armand Duka, to intervene. Xhaferi requests that, together with clubs and all football stakeholders, a fairer, more transparent, and more controllable system be built, so that no one’s work, effort, investment, and sweat are denied.

Referring to a part of the media, Xhaferi says that for days they have chosen to shift the debate away from the real problems of football, moving it to the idea that “the villain is Alban Xhaferi.” He asks to be judged for his actions and criticized whenever he makes mistakes, recalling that in this case he has publicly admitted his fault, but he appeals that this episode should not serve to cover up the issues that demand answers.

In the statement, he emphasizes that Alban Xhaferi comes from an honored and respected Shkodra family, and that he has built his life and work on honesty, hard work, and unwavering faith in God.

Xhaferi admits he made a mistake and that, like any human, he will make mistakes again, but he says he will always have the strength to apologize when he is in the wrong. At the same time, he declares that he will continue to raise his voice whenever he believes an injustice is being committed.

In closing, the president of the Shkodra club asserts that he will continue his battle for Vllaznia, for Shkodra, and for a fairer Albanian football, always learning the necessary lessons even from his own human mistakes.