No fans joining Albania in Serbia for qualifier

Albania leads Group I with Denmark, both with four points. Serbia has one point. The group also includes Armenia and Portugal. (Hektor Pustina/AP)

TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian football federation says its fans will not be travelling with their national team for Tuesday’s European Championship qualifier in Serbia following a request from Belgrade.

Albania draws strong support from neighbouring Kosovo, formerly a province of Serbia with an ethnic Albanian majority population that declared independence in 2008. Belgrade has not recognized the independence.

After a recommendation letter from UEFA, federation spokesman Tritan Kokona says arrangements would not be made for away fans — an action to be reciprocated by Serbia next year.

Albania leads Group I with Denmark, both with four points. Serbia has one point. The group also includes Armenia and Portugal.

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