December 22 – The Albanian government has decided to reward all players and coaches of the Albanian national team with diplomatic passports.
The recognition follows Albania’s qualification for the 2024 European Championships in Germany for just the second time in the country’s history.
At the same time, the team’s coach, Brazilian Silvinho, was awarded Albanian citizenship. In 2004, Sylvinho obtained a Spanish passport after completing three years’ residency there. Albania hopes to keep Sylvinho as coach as they bid to reach the 2026 World Cup for the first time. Sylvinho’s current deal ends after next summer’s Euro.
“Today, together and due to the president, we declare you an Albanian citizen,” said Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania.
“I am signing a legal contract (with Sylvinho) legalizing him as an Albanian,” added the President of Albania Begaj before handing him a passport at a special ceremony.
The diplomatic passports of the Albanian players were presented by Rama to the president of the local football federation, Armand Duka.
The Albania team had an outstanding qualifying campaign, winning Group E to qualify for the finals, overcoming the Czech Republic, Poland, Moldova and the Faroe Islands.
At the European Championship, Albania was placed in Group B, with Spain, Croatia and Italy will be their rivals.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Kraassimirov, at moc.l1714320681labto1714320681ofdlr1714320681owedi1714320681sni@o1714320681fni1714320681