Increase in foreign players in the Superiore and the risk for local talents

According to the latest data, the percentage of foreign players in the Superiore Category has reached a record high. Currently, 35% of registered players are foreigners a significant increase compared to previous seasons.

This season’s new regulation allows a team to field up to 11 foreign players in the starting lineup. While this change may raise the competitive level of the championship, it also raises serious concerns about the future of Albanian football.

Such a strategy risks severely damaging local academies and the development of young domestic talents, who will increasingly struggle to find opportunities in first teams.

For comparison, the Croatian Football Federation has introduced a rule requiring every team to field at least one U21 player of Croatian nationality in the starting lineup each season. Similarly, the Football Federation of North Macedonia has applied this rule for years as a way to guarantee the growth and inclusion of young local talents in professional football.

These successful models from neighboring countries could serve as examples for Albania if the goal is to build a sustainable future for Albanian football.

“KORÇA BOOM”