President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has held high-level discussions with the Presidents of the Albanian and Kosovo Football Federations during a working visit to Tirana, Albania. The meetings, held earlier this week, focused on exploring avenues for deeper collaboration and mutual growth between the football governing bodies.
President Okraku, the 2nd Vice President of CAF, met with Armand Duka, President of the Albanian Football Association and Vice President of UEFA, as well as Agim Ademi, President of the Football Federation of Kosovo on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The engagements sought to strengthen existing relations and exchange innovative ideas for the advancement of football in their respective countries.
A major highlight of the discussions was the potential adoption of a centralized Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in Ghana, modeled after the one currently in operation in Albania. This system enables VAR to be implemented during multiple matches simultaneously, all monitored from a centralized command centre at the Albanian FA headquarters. This cost-effective and efficient approach aligns closely with the GFA’s phased plan to introduce VAR into domestic and international competitions.
President Okraku also expressed keen interest in the Albanian FA’s advanced medical infrastructure and the concept of a football museum—two key components he believes could significantly enhance Ghana’s football ecosystem. “I am very impressed with what I’ve seen here. Working closely with my colleagues from Albania and Kosovo, we are exploring ways to replicate these great initiatives back home,” he remarked.
Armand Duka commended Ghana’s historic achievements in international football and indicated a strong desire to tap into Ghana’s expertise. “We admire your success and experience on the international stage and believe we can benefit from your know-how,” he said.
Armand Duka, President of Albania Football Association with President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
Armand Duka, President of Albania Football Association with President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
Kosovo FA President Agim Ademi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing football’s role in development. “Football is a powerful tool for transformation. Collaborating and learning from each other will help us all improve and grow the game,” he added.
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku with Kosovo Football Federation President Agim Ademi
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku with Kosovo Football Federation President Agim Ademi
As part of his visit, the GFA President toured the reconstructed Air Albania Stadium, paying particular attention to the high-quality pitch maintenance. He noted the pristine condition of the playing surface as a benchmark Ghanaian groundsmen could aspire to under potential collaborative arrangements.
The visit concluded with a dinner hosted in honour of President Okraku at the executive lounge of the Air Albania Stadium, where his counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to forging lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Ghana Football Association.
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