Futbolli

Futbolli is a team sport played on a rectangular pitch with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players. The objective is to score more goals than the opponent by getting the ball into the opposing team’s net. The game is typically played with players using their feet, though other parts of the body except the arms and hands may be used, with exceptions for the goalkeeper within the penalty area. Official competition is organized under a global system of governing bodies and national associations.

Origins and governance: Modern futbolli traces its formal rules to 19th-century England, where standardized rules were developed by the Football Association in 1863. The sport is governed worldwide by FIFA, which oversees the World Cup and international regulations, while regional confederations administer regional competitions. National associations organize domestic leagues and cup competitions.

Rules and play: A match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves, with stoppage time added for interruptions. Ball out of play, throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, fouls, and penalties are governed by a defined set of laws. Offside, substitutions, and disciplinary measures such as yellow and red cards regulate fair play. Competitions may involve single-elimination rounds, group stages, or league formats, with variations in youth and women’s versions.

Global and regional competitions: The sport features major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and continental championships like the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América, as well as prestigious club events such as the UEFA Champions League. Domestic leagues are the primary organizers of regular play, talent development, and professional football ecosystems.

In Albania: Futbolli is one of the most popular sports. The Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF) governs national teams and leagues. The Albanian national team, known as the Kuq e Zi, has participated in UEFA European Championships (Euro 2016 and Euro 2020) but has not qualified for a FIFA World Cup finals. Domestic clubs include KF Tirana, Partizani, and Dinamo Tirana.