Serbia and Albania to co-host 2027 UEFA under-21 Euros
Serbia and Albania have decided to work as a team to host the 2027 UEFA Under-21 European Championship. This is surprising given the countries’ history of political and football-related tensions.
During the Euro 2024 tournament, some Albanian fans shouted violent slogans against Serbs, which led UEFA to investigate and fine both teams for their behaviour. There have also been problems with nationalist chants and banners in earlier matches.
Aiming for unity through football
Despite their past issues, Branko Radujko, from the Serbian Football Federation, believes the tournament can show that people can come together. He also believes that by working toward a shared goal, the countries can overcome their differences.
Armand Duko, the President of the Albanian Football Association, also sees this event as a chance to improve relations between the two nations. However, UEFA and football officials did not issue a statement addressing the previous incidents involving racist chants and nationalist displays.
Serbia and Albania’s joint bid was the sole application to host the 2027 tournament, with hopes of easing tensions between the two nations. The UEFA Under-21 European Championship happens every two years, while the senior tournament is every four years.
