FSS ON THE INCIDENT BEFORE THE MATCH WITH ALBANIA: Albanian arrested due to OVK symbol, strict controls at the stadium!

The Football Association of Serbia commented on the arrest of an Albanian in Merdare who was found with fan paraphernalia featuring motifs of the terrorist OVK (KLA).

The man, D. P. from Albania, was arrested on Thursday because of the aforementioned fan paraphernalia.

It is suspected that the stated items and articles of clothing were planned to be used and displayed at the upcoming match in Leskovac, between the national football teams of Serbia and Albania which is being played on Saturday at 8:45 PM.

The FSS also spoke out because of this.

“Regarding the announcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia that a person was arrested on the eve of the Serbia – Albania match who tried to bring into the country T-shirts, flags, and caps with the insignia of the terrorist organization OVK (KLA), as well as other prohibited items, the Football Association of Serbia expresses its full support for the competent authorities in implementing all security measures.

This case once again confirms the high level of risk that accompanies this match, which is why all security measures will be implemented strictly and without any exception.

Поводом саопштења Министарства унутрашњих послова Републике Србије да је уочи утакмице Србија – Албанија ухапшено лице које је покушало да у земљу унесе мајице, заставе и капе са обележјима терористичке организације ОВК, као и друге недозвољене предмете, Фудбалски савез Србије… pic.twitter.com/E5P6MeWWg2
— Fudbalski savez Srbije | FA of Serbia (@FSSrbije) October 9, 2025

Tickets for the match are strictly personalized, and entry to the stadium will not be possible if the name on the ticket does not match the personal document. The FSS particularly warns that in certain municipalities in the south of Serbia, interest in buying black market tickets has been observed, and we warn that any such purchase would mean wasting money, as entry to the stadium will not be permitted in that way.

Due to the high level of control, all lighters, metal coins, and other hard objects will be confiscated upon entry to the stadium, and the control will be carried out at two checkpoints. Therefore, we appeal to all fans who possess valid tickets to arrive early, so that they can attend the start of the match without delay and in accordance with the rules.

The safety of players, officials, fans, and all participants in the match is the absolute priority of the Football Association of Serbia and state authorities. The FSS states that it will not allow anything to happen that would jeopardize the playing of the match and thereby inflict competitive or financial damage on the national team, the Association, and the state of Serbia.

All law enforcement agencies will react professionally, decisively, and without delay to any attempt to provoke an incident or disturb public order and peace.

The Football Association of Serbia thanks all the fans for their understanding and calls on them to support our national team sportingly, with dignity, and in the spirit of fair play,” the Football Association of Serbia announced.

The suspect has been detained for up to 48 hours and will be brought before the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prokuplje, along with a criminal complaint.

Serbia hosts Albania in the most important qualifying match for the World Cup which will be held in 2026.

The “Eagles” need a win because they are third with seven points, while the Albanians have one more. However, Serbia also has one game in hand.

Our national team can only continue the qualifications as the runner-up.

First place is secured by England with 15 points.