KF Tirana

KF Tirana

KF Tirana Logo
Full name	Klubi i Futbollit Tirana
Nickname(s)	Tirona
Founded	August 16, 1920 (1920-08-16) as Shoqata Sportive Agimi
Ground	Selman Stermasi Stadium Tirana, Albania
Capacity	12,000
President	Refik Halili
Head Coach	Gugash Magani
League	Albanian Superliga
2013–14	Albanian Superliga , 6th
Website	Club website
Home colours Away colours Third colours

KF Tirana is an Albanian football club based in the country's capital city, Tiranë. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 49 recognized major trophies. They play their home games at the Qemal Stafa stadium and the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tiranë and they compete in Albania's highest tier of football, the Albanian Superliga.

The club was founded on 16 August 1920 as Shoqata Sportive Agimi, which translates to the Agimi Sports Association, and they have since participated in all the top tier national championships ever held in Albania, making them the only club in Albania to have never been relegated. They have competed under the name of SK Tirana between 1927 and 1947, before renaming to 17 Nëntori Tirana, Puna Tirana and KS 17 Nëntori, which was the name of the club until 1991 when it was divided into two branches, the multi disciplinary SK Tirana and the football branch of KF Tirana.

KF Tirana is also the most successful Albanian team in European competitions, having progressed from the first rounds on 11 occasions since making their European debut in the 1965–66 European Cup. The club also holds the record of being the highest ever ranking Albanian club according to IFFHS, having been ranked 31st in the world in 1987, as a result of the success in their 1986-87 campaign. KF Tirana is also an ECA member.

History

1911 tournament

Although still an unofficial even in Albanian footballing history, in 2012 historians revealed what is believed to be the first ever competitive football tournament in the country which took place in Fier between the 7th and 14 April 1911. The tournament featured 8 teams and was played in a one-legged format, similar to that of other European competitions at the time. The city of Tirana was represented what is believed to be the predecessor of KF Tirana, and in their first game on 7 April 1991 against Elbasani they won 9-4 to progress to the semifinals, where they defeated Kavaja 4-0 to reach the final. The final was held on 14 April and was contested between Tirana and Peqini, and ended 6-1 to Tirana, making them Albania's first ever champions, although this is still not officially recognised by the Albanian Football Association.

Main article: 1911 Albanian Superliga

Early years (1920–1929)

On 16 August 1920, shortly after Tiranë became the capital city of Albania, patriot and football enthusiast Palok Nika along with A. Erebara, P. Jakova, A. Hoxha, Anastas Koja, P. Berisha, Avni Zajmi, H. Fortuzi, B. Pazari, L. Berisha, S. Frasheri, H. Alizoti, A. Gjitomi and V. Fekeci founded the Agimi Sports Association, who took its name from the Agimi building in the centre of Tiranë where they would hold near meetings near to. The club was formed as a multi disciplinary one, but the emphasis on football was far greater than that of other sports. In October of the same year the club played its first ever football match at Shallvare in the centre of Tiranë against Juventus Shkodër, which was a selection of players from Bashkimi Shkodran, modern day Vllaznia Shkodër.

In 1925 the association's governing council was elected and its members were Avni Zajmi, Selman Stërmasi, B. Toptani, Irfan Gjinali and Anastas Koja. Shortly after in the same year, the club played its first international match against Yugoslav team Crnogorac Cetinje from Montenegro. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, Stërmasi, Erebara, Zajmi and Koja changed the club's name to Sportklub Tiranë, which would be commonly referred to as SK Tiranë.

Domestic dominance (1930-1937)

The first picture of the KF Tirana Squad

With the formation of the Albanian Football Association on 6 June 1930 came the first officially recognised football competition held in Albania, which was the 1930 National Championship, of which SK Tiranë had enrolled in. The club's reached the championship final after winning 5 games, drawing 4 and losing just one, to finish joint top along with Skënderbeu Korçë, albeit with a slightly better goal difference. The championship final games were due to be played on 26 June and 6 July respectively, but Skënderbeu Korçë forfeited both games by refusing to play which was a sign of protest against the bias of the competition and the Albanian Football Association towards the SK Tiranë. The club were awarded both games 2-0, thus crowning them the first champions of Albania who's winning team consisted of Rudolf Gurashi, Abdullah Shehri, Irfan Gjinali, Xhelal Kashari, Vasil Kajano, Gjon Sabati, Llazar Miha, Mark Gurashi, Bexhet Jolldashi, Shefqet Ndroqi, Isuf Dashi, Adem Karapici, Hysen Kusi, Mustafa Begolli, Hilmi Kosova, Emil Hajnali, Rexhep Maçi and Selman Stërmasi as player-manager. Maçi and Hainali were also won the inaugural golden boot for being the joint top goal scorers with 3 goals apiece. As multi-disciplinary club, this was the second national championship that was won, as the athletics team had won the national championship a year earlier in 1929.

The following season the club introduced former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Vasfi Samimi into the team, who had represented Sportklub Vlorë the previous season, who also joined with other new players who were Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja. The Albanian Football Association decided to alter the format of the championship as they divided the teams into two groups, with SK Tiranë being placed in Group A along with Sportklub Vlorë and Bashkimi Shkodran. They played four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one, to finish top of the group level on points with Bashkimi Shkodran but still won the group due to a superior goal difference. The club met Group B winners Teuta Durrës in the championship final, who they drew 1-1 to at home at Shallvare in a notable game. SK Tiranë had opened the scoring and taken the lead through a Mark Gurashi goal, before Teuta Durrës' goalkeeper Niko Dovana instructed one one of the forwards to cover for him in goal as he went to play as a forward, and with a shot on goal he scored and equalised. His goal led to mass media coverage, with many Albanian football fans fascinated by the sight of the goalkeeper playing as a forward and scoring. SK Tiranë complained to the Albanian Football Association on the grounds that a registered goalkeeper cannot play as an outfield player, but these complaints were not heard and the second leg of the tie was played a week later on 5 July 1931 in Durrës, which SK Tiranë won comfortably 3-0 to win 4-1 on agreggate and to regain the National Championship.

The Albanian Football Association once again changed the format of the championship and opted for a five team league format, where every club would play each other twice and the winner would be decided by who finished top of the league, and not a championship final. SK Tiranë went unbeaten throughout the season, with five wins and three draws to their name, including emphatic 6-0 wins over Urani Elbasan and Teuta Durrës respectively and a 9-2 away win once again against Urani Elbasan. The club were crowned Albanian champions for a third consecutive season, which further cemented their place in history as the first club to dominate football in Albania.

The 1933 National Championship proved to be less fruitful for the club, as they missed out on a fourth consecutive title, finishing in a disappointing third place out of six, behind Bashkimi Shkodran and the winners Skënderbeu Korçë. However, they bounced back firmly in the 1934 National Championship, finishing five points ahead of runners-up Skënderbeu Korçë in a seven team format. They won a total of ten games out of twelve, which included 9-0 wins over Teuta Durrës and Bashkimi Elbasanas respectively, as well as an 8-0 win over Sportklub Vlorë, with Mark Gurashi being named the top goalscorer with twelve goals.

From 1939 to 1942, KF Tirana won two more national championships (out of 3 organized by the AFA during that period, the third won by KS Vllaznia), however, despites being official, these trophies are still not added to Tirana's palmares by AFA. Although these championships were played right after King's Cup was concluded (an event officially recognized from AFA) and the 1942 championship had a massive nationwide participation (the first and the only time in Albanian football history so far in which Kosovo teams compete alongside Albanian teams as a Nationwide League), it's meaningless why AFA are still hesitating to add these events as well, considering the fact that AFA are the official organizers!

The AFA finally made a decision in February 2013 that, according to them, although AFA admits the WWII Championships have indeed been played correctly and rightfully, are not legitimate and won't be recognized since they weren't organized by the AFA, but by the Fascist regime.

1944–1957

After the war, KF Tirana made a good start reaching the second spot in 1945, after losing to Vllaznia Shkodër in the final. But soon the club would become a victim of the reigning communist regime in Albania. At the beginning of March 1946, at the "Nacional" movie theater in Tirana, as a result of instructions coming from the communist politburo, KF Tirana was forced to change its name to "17 Nentori". The club was thus denied its own name. The following decade would unroll in the same suffocating atmosphere, becoming even heavier after the foundation of two system-privileged teams that would follow the experiences of their sisters in the former USSR, former Yugoslavia, and the other eastern European countries: Partizani, the Defense Ministry team and Dinamo, the Internal Affairs Ministry team. Dozens of Tirana’s talented players were "convinced", against their will, to play for either Partizani or Dinamo. As a result "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–1957, however the team managed to gain some of the lost groung during the second part of the 50's after replacing in part some of the first choice players of its line up.

1958–1970

From 1958 to 1964 Tirana kept on producing some good football and finishing the championship almost always at the third spot. These years were a prelude to what was about to happen later: Tirana reexperienced its pre-war glory spell under the services of the unforgettable coach Lym (Myslym) Alla. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.

Championship of 1966-67

The team repeated the success the year after, but this was an obvious challenge to Partizani's generals and Dinamo's secret service bosses. After having practically won the 1966–1967 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo.

After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–1970 season.

1970s and 1980s

During the seventies Tirana struggled hard to stay at the top, the best result being the second place and the worst the thirteenth. Yet the club won the national cup twice. The generation of older players came to the end pf their careers and this could only mark the end of a highly successful era. However the unsuccessful spell would not last long this time. Tirana won the championship at the end of the 1981–1982 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–1985, 1987–1988, and 1988–1989 and the Albanian Cup in 1983, 1984, and 1986. The club was also successful in the European club competitions and many of the team players made up the core of the best Albania the country had ever had.

1990s and 2000s

During the first half of the nineties KF Tirana (which in August 1991 regained its old name), likewise the whole Albanian society, went through a period of profound changes. Almost all the best Albanian players left the country and went abroad looking for a richer team who could hire them. But it seems that the club simply could not stand being too long from the leading spots. Thus at the end of the 1994–1995 season, K. F. Tirana once again won the championship five matches in advance with 12 points ahead of the second placed team. During the recent years Tirana has dominated the Albanian football by winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.

Recent seasons and the present

Utrecht-KF Tirana

Even though KF Tirana has dominated through the last 20 years, since 2006 club have displayed instability in management, which has also reflected in the results. Several factors have affected negatively the presentation, not only in the domestic competitions, but also the international appearances.

• KF Tirana's last solid dominating season was the one 2006-07, when the title was easily achieved. However, since failure in Champions League qualifications on that year, KF Tirana started an unstable performance.

• The season 2007-08 found them in 6th spot, an unusual position for this team for last 18 years.

• Although Tirana won the title in 2008-09, it was a glow-less season.

• Other severe problems started again in 2009-10 and season ended a total failure, gaining no trophies.

• White and blues yet again didn't make a good start of the 2010-2011 Domestic League, due to some controversies between the president and club chief, as well as unexplainable delays in paying players salaries, which had a negative impact in the team. The continuous unpleasant results caused Tirana presidency changing coaches thrice in one season, starting with Sulejman Starova, then Nevil Dede and finally Croatian Mišo Krstičević. Contrary to the League, KF Tirana did well in the Cup, winning the final against Dinamo Tirana by penalty shoot-outs (regular and extra time finished in a 1–1 draw) earning also the participation in Europa League for second time in a row.

Late preparations, late new players arrivals, even late new coach appointment gave the negative effects either in team consolidation, or poor performance in Europa League. Starting from 2-nd qualifying round, having drawn goalless first match home, Tirana suffered a 1–3 away loss against Slovakian opponent FC Spartak Trnava and were therefore knocked out early from the competition.

• The 2011-2012 season started very well for now a consolidated Tirana. They added another trophy in their wealthy palmares, the 9th Supercup, by winning the final match against defending champions KF Skënderbeu Korçë in Korçë, with a single goal of Bekim Bala.

12 October 2011 was another key event for club's future. The Municipality Council voted with unanimous consent the transformation of KF Tirana status to a shareholders association. Since then, the club is originally named as KF Tirana Sh.A (Shoqëri Aksionere). Municipality of Tirana will initially hold 100% of shares, however any future private sponsors or donors approaches to share stock would always be welcome.

White and blues ended the League in the 3rd place, 5 points below crowned champions KF Skënderbeu Korçë, even though outstanding Spanish coach Julián Rubio had to re-create the squad twice, due to lack of players who left the club by late summer. Additionally, Tirana players and staff had to outface a temporary financial kink, caused from the latter club transformation to sh.a. which had negative influence in the limited number of quality players which approached from the market. At majority of the season coach Rubio had severe difficulties and wasn't able to even to create a proper official squad for a match! Nonetheless, despite all difficulties faced, Tirana finally ended the season in the best possible way earning 2 trophies out of 3, by also winning their 15th Cup trophy. Tirana won the final against their fierce rivals of last 2 seasons KF Skënderbeu Korçë, with Bekim Bala becoming again the key scorer, netting the winning goal at 107' at extra-time, since regular time ended goalless draw.

• The club could, however, get organized better for 2012-13 season, starting from Europa League participation. Even though having a healthy budget, club officials were too late to bring quality players on time, adding here the fact that they let go of main attacker, Bekim Balaj for a funny transfer sum to AC Sparta Prague despite Balaj still had 6 month of contract left! Tirana managed to pass only one round in Europa League, eliminating CS Grevenmacher of Luxembourg, before being knocked out from Norwegians of Aalesunds FK in the 2nd round. Tirana won again the Supercup (their jubilee 10th trophy), by beating on their 3rd final clash KF Skënderbeu Korçë. Despite due to extend his link with Tirana for the following two seasons and continuing the project, the successful Spanish coach, Rubio, did not sign that contract officially, due to some clauses on which himself and the club did not agree and eventually him and the club departed ways after over 13 months cooperation. Artur Lekbello was appointed Tirana new coach, but despite his credits as a player in the past, he did not prove that successful as a coach and therefore presented his resignation to club administrator after only 42 days, following unpleasant results in Tirana's bench. Alban Tafaj once again took the vacant place as a temporary coach. On 19 February, Tafaj withdrew to his original technical director post and Nevil Dede became Tirana coach for the 2nd time in his career. With Dede in bench, Tirana ended the 2012-13 season in the 5th place, thus a total failure, considering neither trophy was won (not mentioning here the Supercup before season started) nor club earned the right to participate in Europe. Dede however extended his contract with the club for another 2 years, in order to take forward his project of activating mostly young players from youth academy and abroad.

• In the verge of the new season, Tirana transported from last year the financial problems, ungiven salaries and long waiting failure of Tirana city council to sell club assets. This situation went to the extreme and club was nearly starting Superliga with only 10 young players. But days before market was due to close three businessmen approached for Tirana; Ndriçim Babasi (initially appointed decision making head-donor, but then left passing the post to Mr. Halili at December, 2013), ex-donor Refik Halili (decision making head-donor since December, 2013) and Lulzim Morina and fortunately club was able to approach few players. New Tirana started to take shape, however last moment approaches had their negative effect in results, as continuous losses caused Tirana president suspend coach Dede and temporary replaced him with Alpin Gallo, who lasted only 5 matches. Tirana were also eliminated early from the Cup. Gugash Magani, an experienced coach was named instead. He stayed in duty even after changes at the club. With Magani as coach Tirana started to win matches and finally made it staying in Superliga and even ranked 6th in perhaps the worst season in club history.

• 26 June was a significant date for the football club, as Tirana city council finally approved with 33 pro votes handling 66% of Municipality assets to private sponsors for the next 18 years (currently Mr Halili and Mr Morina), giving them the green light to invest in players, stadium, training pitches, youth academy, etc. in order to create a stronger club after lot of struggling past 5 years.

Following this event and considering the fact that there was no European participation, club had all necessary time to organize well pre-seasonal preparations. Along with approaching the right players in the existing squad of last season and proper training project in Albania, a well prepared pre-seasonal training was organized for over 3 weeks in Ohrid, playing friendlies there and consolidate team further. Such well-planned project had not been seen for many years, perhaps since El Sayed era.

Crest and colours

1930s

1978

1979

1985

2000–01

2008–09

2009–10

2010–11

2013–14

When, in 1925, the merger of the two clubs of Piraeus, Athlitikos Podosfairikos Syllogos Pireos and Omilos Filathlon Pireos, gave birth to the new football club, the latter was unanimously baptized Olympiacos Club of Fans of Piraeus, a name inspired from the Ancient Olympic Games, the morality, the vying and the splendor that they represented in ancient Greece. Consequently, the club adopted the laureate teen as their emblem, which symbolizes the Olympic Games winner, a crest that underwent minor changes through the ages. Red and white were chosen as the colours of the crest; red for the passion and white for the virtue.

The typical kit of the team is that of a shirt with red and white vertical stripes, and red or white shorts and socks. The shirt has taken different forms during the history of the club, for example with thin or wider stripes. The second most common kit is the all-red one and next the all-white one. Olympiacos has used several other colours during its history as an away or third kit, with the most notable of them being the monotint black or silver one. The most common kits of Olympiacos during their history are these below (the year of each one is indicant):

Stadiums

The home ground of KF Tirana is Selman Stërmasi Stadium, which is shared with city rivals Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, most derby and significant matches are played at the national team's Qemal Stafa Stadium; the stadium is also used if the Selman Stërmasi Stadium is unavailable as it is used by three different teams. The club has expressed its desire to rebuild the current Selman Stërmasi Stadium into a modern complex with around 15,000 to 20,000 season. They want it to be Albania's first modern post-Communism stadium without an athletic track around the field, which they hope will provide more atmosphere and attract more fans. However, it has not yet been decided when this will be built but it is rumoured to be the club's 100th anniversary present in 2020.

Selman Stërmasi Stadium

KF Tirana plays most of its official and friendly games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana. The Selman Stërmasi Stadium was built in 1956 and was previously named the 'Dinamo' Stadium till 1991 when it was permanently given its new name. The Football Association of Albania and the club decided to name the stadium post mortem after the eminent KF Tirana player, coach and president, Selman Stërmasi. The stadium has a capacity of 12,500 (of which 6000 seated) and has recently ended a long phase of construction, involving development of the main pitch, central seated area, facilities around the ground and general lineaments. There are still improvements expected to be made soon, as side seated areas, an electronic clock and a KF Tirana shopping centre just under central seated. The internal facilities include a press conference room, journalists' corner and modern showers. The main parking area is located at the front of the stadium, which leads to the entrance. The whole external part of the stadium is surrounded by a 2.7 M (9 ft) rail fence.

Supporters

File:Tirona fanatics.gif

Tirona Fanatics

The supporters of KF Tirana are organised in Tirona Fanatics, a fan club started on 8 January 2006 and popular with football fans of KF Tirana. The name Tirona Fanatics was chosen because it is written in the dialect of Tirana. Tirona Fanatics are the most organized fan club, not only in Tirana but also in the country. They have a well-prepared agenda which is set in advance for either home or away club support, self-established funds, their own logo, all technical gear needed for every match and always express their serious dedication to KF Tirana emblem through ovations, slogans, songs, gestures and pyrotechnics with a high civilization, without violence and swearing towards opponent team players, staff or fans. The group has shown good support and preparations even beyond Albanian borders, in away matches such as in Trnava, Grevenmacher, etc. Tirona Fanatics are in close cooperation with Plisat of Pristina and Shvercerat of Shkupi and have also attended in many Albania National Football Team matches. Since creation, the fans number has been in a constant increase and new members are recruited every week.

Rivalries

Main articles: All-time Albanian derby, Tirana derby I, and Tirana derby II

Honours

KF Tirana are regarded as the Albania's top football team having won:

Domestic

• Albanian Superior League (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga)
• 27 times (domestic record) – 1911 (unofficial), 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1939 (not yet recognized by AFA), 1942 (not yet recognized by AFA), 1964–1965, 1965–1966, 1968, 1969–1970, 1981–1982, 1984–1985, 1987–1988, 1988–1989, 1994–1995, 1995–1996, 1996–1997, 1998–1999, 1999–2000, 2002–2003, 2003–2004, 2004–2005, 2006–2007, 2008–2009

• Runners-up (13)-1945, 1959, 1967, 1971–1972, 1975–1976, 1978–1979, 1979–1980, 1983–1984, 1993–1994, 1997–1998, 2000–2001, 2001–2002, 2005–2006,

• Albanian Cup (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Cup)
• 15 times (domestic record shared with Partizani Tirana) – 1938–39, 1963, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011, 2012.

• Runners-up (8)-1948, 1949, 1952, 1982, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2009

• Albanian Supercup
• 10 times (domestic record) – 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012

• Runners-up (3)-1989, 2001, 2004,

• Double

• 2 times - 1996, 1999

• Taçi Oil
• 1 time - 2008

^*Including the Championships which are awaiting to be officially recognized from AFA.

International

• Balkans Cup

Runners Up (1) – 1981.

Records

Domestic

• Biggest ever home league victory: KF Tirana – KS Flamurtari 11:0 (05.07.1936)
• Biggest ever home league defeat: KF Tirana – KS Vllaznia 0:6 (1947)
• Biggest ever away league victory: KF Elbasani – KF Tirana 2:9 (12.06.1932)
• Biggest ever away league defeat: KS Besa – KF Tirana 7:1 (1992)
• Most league appearances: Elvis Sina (419)
• Most league goals: Indrit Fortuzi (152)
• Most points in a season: 84 (2004–05)
• Least points in a season: 7 (1940)
• Most wins in a season: 26 (2004–05)
• Least wins in a season: 3 (1931, 1933, 1940, 1942)
• Most ties in a season: 15 (1974–75)
• Least ties in a season: 0 (1939, 1946)
• Most losses in a season: 13 (1972–73, 1976–77, 1991–92)
• Least losses in a season: 0 (1932, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1942)
• Best Goal Differential: +66 (1936)
• Worst Goal Differential: -5 (1972–73)

Europe

• Biggest ever European home victory: KF Tirana – Sliema Wanderers 5:0 (27 September 1989)
• Biggest ever European home defeat: KF Tirana – NK Croatia Zagreb 2:6 (24 July 1996)
• Biggest ever European away victory: FC Gomel – KF Tirana 0:2 (14 July 2004)
• Biggest ever European away defeat: Aalesunds FK – KF Tirana 5:0 (26 July 2012)
• Most European appearances: Elvis Sina (31)
• Most European goals: Indrit Fortuzi (10)

Last 25 Seasons

Season	Div.	Albanian Superliga	M	W	D	L	GSco	GCon	Pts	Albanian Cup	Albanian Supercup
1990–91	1st	4	39	16	12	11	52	40	44	1/4 Finals	-
1991–92	1st	8	30	11	6	13	38	32	28	1/4 Finals	-
1992–93	1st	11	30	7	13	10	24	28	27	1/8 Finals	-
1993–94	1st	Runners-up	26	13	7	6	36	16	33	Winners	Winners
1994–95	1st	Champions	30	19	6	5	57	27	44	Runners-up	-
1995–96	1st	Champions	34	19	10	5	52	22	55	Winners	-
1996–97	1st	Champions	22	14	4	4	40	9	46	1/8 Finals	-
1997–98	1st	Runners-up	34	19	8	7	54	18	65	1/4 Finals	-
1998–99	1st	Champions	30	18	7	5	48	20	61	Winners	-
1999–00	1st	Champions	27	16	5	6	41	15	53	1/4 Finals	Winners
2000–01	1st	Runners-up	26	16	6	4	56	13	54	Winners	Runners-up
2001–02	1st	Runners-up	26	19	5	2	52	15	62	Winners	Winners
2002–03	1st	Champions	26	19	3	4	57	17	60	1/2 Finals	Winners
2003–04	1st	Champions	36	24	8	4	90	36	80	1/2 Finals	Runners-up
2004–05	1st	Champions	36	26	6	4	82	32	84	Runners-up	Winners
2005–06	1st	Runners-up	36	17	11	8	54	33	62	Winners	Winners
2006–07	1st	Champions	33	22	6	5	64	33	72	1/4 Finals	Winners
2007–08	1st	6	33	14	7	12	46	36	49	Runners-up	-
2008–09	1st	Champions	33	19	11	3	58	27	68	Runners-up	Winners
2009–10	1st	3rd Place	33	15	7	11	38	32	52	1/4 Finals	-
2010–11	1st	5	33	11	11	11	42	31	44	Winners	Winners
2011–12	1st	3rd Place	26	16	5	5	33	21	53	Winners	Winners
2012–13	1st	5	26	12	7	7	30	23	43	1/8 Finals	-
2013–14	1st	6	33	14	8	11	36	31	50	1/8 Finals	-
2014–15	1st		36

KF Tirana in Europe

In addition to being the best team in all domestic competitions, K.F. Tirana (Men) have also given the best performances in Europe among Albanian teams. Although Tirana have passed 11 times one European round, they have never gone further than that. However, white and blues hold the all-time record for the highest IFFHS ranking of an Albanian football club, being ranked as high as 31st in the World in 1987, as result of success preceded 1986-87. In their European path, Tirana have played against "big guns" such as: AFC Ajax, FC Bayern Munich, A.C. Milan, etc. Drawn against reputable teams such as FC Dinamo București, Ferencvárosi TC, PFC CSKA Sofia, Stabæk IF, FC Utrecht, NK Dinamo Zagreb, IFK Göteborg, Malmö FF, Standard Liège, etc. In several occasions, respectable European names such as: FC Dinamo București, FC Dinamo Tbilisi, ND Gorica, NK Varteks, etc. have been eliminated from white and blues.

The best squad to compete in Europe was that of season 2004/05. After having easily passed FC Gomel of Belarus in the first round, Tirana played against Ferencvárosi TC in the second round. Having lost the first leg at home 2–3, KF Tirana produced fantastic football in Budapest and was leading 1–0, after which the team missed a penalty and the ball hit woodwork twice, but they just could not score the qualifying goal and therefore were eliminated with a 3–3 on aggregate.

Main article: KF Tirana performance in Europe

KF Tirana friendly match for social initiative

KF Tirana vs A.C. Milan. On 14 October 2008, KF Tirana and A.C. Milan took part, for the first time ever, in the "Taci Oil Albania Reads" project in Tirana. This new initiative had the goal to raise funds for the construction of new and modern libraries across Albania, a project launched by UNICEF. The proceeds of this event, sponsored by Taçi Oil helped to create 100 new libraries in Albanian schools, whilst also driving forward the improvement in learning, teaching and reading standards in schools. KF Tirana won the match 2–1.

World & European Rankings

UEFA club coefficient ranking

(As of 21 October 2013), Source: Bert Kassies website

Rank	Team	Points
315	FC Vaduz	3.650
316	Botev Plovdiv	3.625
317	Lokomotiv Sofia	3.625
318	Cherno More Varna	3.625
319	KF Tirana	3.600
320	FK Jagodina	3.575
321	Flora Tallinn	3.575
322	WIT Georgia Tbilisi	3.475
291	Rudar Pljevlja	3.450

IFFHS Europe club ranking of the 21st century

(As of 29 January 2013), Source: IFFHS published 29 January 2013

Rank	Team	Points
168	FC Nantes	739.0
169	Germinal Beerschot	735.0
170	Aalborg BK	727.0
171	AS Saint-Étienne	718.0
172	KF Tirana	716.0
173	Anorthosis Famagusta FC	716.0
174	Helsingborgs IF	712.0
175	Dinamo Moscow	710.5
176	FK Rabotnički	710.0

IFFHS World club ranking of the last decade

(1 January 2001 – 31 December 2011), Source: IFFHS published 21 March 2012

Rank	Team	Points
303	Al-Karamah SC	650.0
304	Pohang Steelers	647.5
305	Shimizu S-Pulse	643.5
306	Al-Wehdat SC	643.5
307	KF Tirana	643.0
308	Oriente Petrolero	641.0
309	West Ham United F.C.	641.0
310	AS Saint-Étienne	640.0
311	Zob Ahan Isfahan F.C.	632.0

IFFHS Europe club ranking of the last decade

(1 January 2001 – 31 December 2011), Source: IFFHS published 21 March 2012

Rank	Team	Points
80	KF Tirana	643.0
81	K.V.C. Westerlo	656.0
82	Boavista F.C.	656.0
83	FC Krylia Sovetov Samara	653.0
84	West Ham United F.C.	641.0
85	AS Saint-Étienne	640.0
86	NK Varaždin	632.0
87	FC Groningen	629.0

Players

First team squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
1	GK	ALB	Stivi Frashëri
2	DF	ALB	David Domgjoni
4	DF	ALB	Gentian Muça (3rd captain)
5	DF	ALB	Entonio Pashaj
6	DF	ALB	Debatik Curri
7	FW	RWA	Meddie Kagere
8	MF	ALB	Ervin Bulku (captain)
9	FW	CRO	Tomislav Bušić
10	FW	ALB	Mario Morina
11	FW	BDI	Selemani Ndikumana
13	MF	ALB	Erando Karabeci (vice-captain)
15	FW	ALB	Marlind Nuriu
17	MF	ALB	Renato Hyshmeri

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
18	MF	ALB	Dorian Kërçiku
19	MF	ALB	Elis Bakaj
20	FW	ALB	Grent Halili
21	FW	UGA	Francis Olaki
22	GK	ALB	Marsel Çaka
23	MF	KOS	Argjend Malaj
26	MF	ALB	Afrim Taku (4th captain)
27	DF	ALB	Endrit Idrizaj
28	DF	ALB	Hanc Llagami
29	MF	ALB	Alush Gavazaj
31	GK	ALB	Edvan Bakaj
99	DF	ALB	Renaldo Kalari

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
—	GK	ALB	Xhino Sejdo (to KS Kamza)
—	DF	ALB	Mario Roshi (at Kastrioti)
—	GK	ALB	Terenc Mema (at KF Bulqiza)
—	DF	ALB	Markeliano Tabaku (at FC Eagles)
—	MF	ALB	Devi Rrokaj (at FC Internacional Tirana)
—	MF	ALB	Donald Muça (at KS Egnatia)

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
—	DF	ALB	Albert Doda (to KF Valbona)
—	DF	ALB	Erion Hoxhallari (to Teuta Durrës)
—	MF	ALB	Ardit Peposhi (to Teuta Durrës)
—	MF	ALB	Mateos Cake (to Sopoti Librazhd)
—	FW	ALB	Ergys Sorra (to Dinamo Tirana)

Reserves and academy

For the reserve and academy squads, see KF Tirana Reserves and Academy

KF Tirana B

Recently, KF Tirana have established their reserve team which initially started to compete from the lowest category.

Main article: KF Tirana B

Former players

For details on former players, see Category:KF Tirana players.

Players

  Active players are highlighted

Elvis Sina is the most capped player in the history of KF Tirana with 419 caps.

As of 8 June 2014

#	Name	Career	Caps	Goals
1	Elvis Sina	1999–2006 2007-2008 2009-2014	419	8
2	Blendi Nallbani	1990–1993 1997-2001 2004-2010	310	1
3	Nevil Dede	1994–2004 2006-2007	299	30
4	Agustin Kola	1980–1991 1994-1997	250	133
5	Rezart Dabulla	1998–2006 2008-2013	242	8
6	Eldorado Merkoçi	1994–1999 2001-2008	222	40
7	Devi Muka	1998–1999 2003-2010	210	61
8	Ervin Bulku	1998–2007 2014–present	208	15
9	Indrit Fortuzi	1993–1998 2000-2005 2007-2008	191	152
10	Arben Minga	1977–1991 1994-1996	189	103

Most goals

Below is a list of the 10 players with the most goals for KF Tirana, as of 8 June 2014

Arben Minga, Big Ben is the 3-rd goal player in the history of KF Tirana with 103 goal.

#	Name	Career	Goals	Caps
1	Indrit Fortuzi	1993–1998 2000-2005 2007-2008	152	191
2	Agustin Kola	1980–1991 1994-1997	140	250
3	Arben Minga	1977–1991 1994-1996	108	189
4	Shkëlqim Muça	1976–1988	88	92
5	Petrit Dibra	1970-1980	70	187
6	Devi Muka	1998-1999 2003-2010	61	210
7	Skënder Hyka	1965–1974	60	122
8	Mahir Halili	2001-2005	46	133
9	Hamdi Salihi	2005–2007	42	52
10	Riza Lushta	1934–1939	39	69

Managers

Managerial record

Coach	from	until	Major Titles
Selman Stërmasi	1930	1937	6	6x National Championships
Myslym Alla	1956	1971	4	4x National Championships
Enver Shehu	1971	1973
Enver Shehu	1980	1985	2	2x National Championships
Fatmir Frasheri	1985	1987	0
Shyqyri Rreli	1987	1990	2	2x National Championships
Shkëlqim Muça	1 July 1994	1 July 1995	1	Albanian Superliga, Albanian Supercup
Sulejman Mema	1 July 1995	1 July 1996	1	Albanian Superliga
Enver Shehu	1 July 1996	3 May 1998	1	Albanian Superliga
Millan Baçi	3 May 1998	1 July 1998	0
Sulejman Mema	1 July 1998	1 July 1999	1	Albanian Superliga
Shkëlqim Muça	1 July 1999	1 July 2000	1	Albanian Superliga
Miklós Temesvári	1 July 2000	14 April 2001	1	Albanian Supercup
Shkëlqim Muça	14 April 2001	1 July 2002	0
Enver Hadžiabdić	1 July 2002	23 November 2002	1	Albanian Supercup
Krenar Alimehmeti	23 November 2002	28 February 2003	0
Fatmir Frashëri	28 February 2003	1 July 2003	1	Albanian Superliga
Sulejman Mema	1 July 2003	25 October 2003	1	Albanian Supercup
Krenar Alimehmeti	25 October 2003	2 November 2013	0
Mirel Josa	2 November 2013	20 August 2004	1	Albanian Superliga
Luan Sengla	20 August 2004	1 September 2004	0
Sulejman Starova	1 September 2004	1 July 2005	1	Albanian Superliga
Leonardo Menichini	1 July 2005	11 November 2005	0
Krenar Alimehmeti	13 November 2005	15 February 2006	0
Mirel Josa	17 February 2006	13 November 2006	0
Shkëlqim Muça	14 November 2006	1 July 2007	1	Albanian Superliga
Sulejman Starova	1 July 2007	19 September 2007	0
Ardian Mema	22 September 2007	25 September 2007	0
Astrit Hafizi	25 September 2007	3 February 2008	0
Sulejman Mema	3 February 2008	1 July 2008
Blaž Slišković	1 July 2008	10 December 2008	0
Agustin Kola	11 December 2008	2 May 2009	1
Alban Tafaj	2 May 2009	21 June 2009	1	Albanian Superliga
Ilija Lončarević	21 June 2009	6 October 2009	1	Albanian Supercup
Alban Tafaj	6 October 2009	26 January 2010	0
Nevil Dede	28 January 2010	2 February 2010	0
Devis Mukaj	4 February 2010	29 March 2010	0
Sulejman Starova	29 March 2010	10 October 2010	0
Nevil Dede	11 October 2010	6 February 2011	0
Mišo Krstičević	8 February 2011	22 June 2011	1	Albanian Cup
Julian Rubio	22 June 2011	31 August 2012	3	Albanian Cup,Albanian Supercup(2)
Alban Tafaj	1 September 2012	16 September 2012	0
Artur Lekbello	17 September 2012	30 October 2012	0
Alban Tafaj	31 October 2012	18 February 2013	0
Nevil Dede	19 February 2013	24 October 2013	0
Alpin Gallo	25 October 2013	28 November 2013	0
Sokol Bulku	28 November 2013	1 December 2013	0
Gugash Magani	1 December 2013

Current coaching staff

Position	Name
Head Coach	Gugash Magani
Assistant Manager	Klodian Dervishi
Translator Manager	Ndubuisi Egbo
Physiotherapist	Altin Haxhia
Physiotherapist	Arzen Voci
Coordinator	Eduard Gjini
Goalkeeping Coach	Astrit Nallbani
U-19 Head Coach	Agustin Kola
U-17 Head Coach	Saimir Malko
U-15 Head Coach	Kadri Pengili
U-12 Head Coach	Irfan Bujari
U-10 Head Coach	Bujar Lubani

Top scorers Golden Foot

Season	Top-scorer	Team	Goals
1930	Emil Hajnali Rexhep Maçi	SK Tirana	3
1932	Haki Korça	SK Tirana	4
1934	Mark Gurashi	SK Tirana	12
1936	Riza Lushta	SK Tirana	11
1937	Riza Lushta	SK Tirana	25
1959	Enver Shehu Gani Merja	SK Tirana	6
1965–66	Josif Kazanxhi	SK Tirana	14
1968	Skënder Hyka	SK Tirana	19
1978–79	Petrit Dibra	SK Tirana	14
1984–85	Arben Minga	SK Tirana	13
1987–88	Agustin Kola	SK Tirana	18
1988–89	Agustin Kola	SK Tirana	19
2000–01	Indrit Fortuzi	SK Tirana	30
2001–02	Indrit Fortuzi	SK Tirana	24
2002–03	Mahir Halili	SK Tirana	20
2005–06	Hamdi Salihi	SK Tirana	29
2008–09	Migen Memelli	SK Tirana	22

Kit suppliers

Kit provider	Period	Shirt sponsor
Umbro	1988–1992	Ariston
	1993–1997	Parmalat
Adidas	1998–1999	Kent
	1999–2000	Hawaii
Joma	2000–2001
	2001–2002	Volkswagen
Jako	2002–2004
Puma	2004–2006
Adidas	2006–2008
Puma	2008–2009
Lotto	2009–2010	none
Adidas	2010–2011
Macron	2011–2012	BPP
Errea	2012–2013	none
Legea	2013–2014
	2014–2017

KF Tirana Sponsorship

Sponsor Type	Name
Main Sponsors	Halili Constructions, Municipality of Tirana
Secondary Sponsors	Lani ltd, BHI-Tiranë, Lajthiza Water, Boga ltd
Official clothing provider	Legea

Presidents

Main article: KF Tirana Presidents

KF Tirana has historically been managed and owned by one president. The only exception is during period of 2007–2008, when the presidency was vacant and club was managed by a number of sponsors. KF Tirana has had numerous presidents over the course of its history, most of which have also been the owners of the club, whilst others have only been honorific presidents such as Bamir Topi and Fatmir Frasheri. The club has had a total of 13 presidents, in total from 1920 until the present day. The most successful president in history is considered to be the Egyptian millionaire Metwally El Sayed who was president of the club during the period 1999–2004. The president who has had the longest management over the club has been Selman Stermasi who was owner and president from 1936 until 1960, whilst the president with the shortest management has been Fatmir Frasheri, who only lasted a single year from 2004–2005. Below is the official presidential history of KF Tirana, from when the club was formed, until the present day.

List of presidents

Name	From–To
Bahri Toptan	1920–1933
Stefan Shundi	1933–1936
Selman Stermasi	1936-1960
Lame Konomi	1960–1970
Nuri Bylyku	1970-1983
Clirim Hysi	1983-1985
Zija Shaba	1985-1993
Metush Seferi	1993-1998
Lutfi Nuri	1998-1999
Metwally El Sayed	1999-2004
Fatmir Frasheri	2004–2005
Bamir Topi	2005-2008
Refik Halili	2008-

KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Since the Kategoria superiore began in 1930, KF Tirana have played 1784 Superliga matches, scored 3021 goals and conceded 1614. The club has collected so far 2628 points, won 938 games, drawn 456 and lost 390. The club's goal difference is +1407 and the winning difference is +548.

Historical	Goals	Wins	Draws	Losses	+/-Goals	+/- Wins	Points	Matches
TOTAL	3057-1645	952	464	401	+1412	+551	2678	1817

Data correct up to the end of the 2013–14 season.

See also: KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

KF Tirana's champions

(4 times or more)

#	Champion	Times	Seasons
1	Nevil Dede	8	1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007
	Blendi Nallbani	8	1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2009
3	Krenar Alimehmeti	7	1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
	Eldoraldo Markoçi	7	1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005
5	Adem Karrapici	6	1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937
	Arben Minga	6	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996
	Agustin Kola	6	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1997
	Ardian Mema	6	1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
	Sokol Bulku	6	1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004
	Elvis Sina	6	1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
	Devi Muka	6	1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
	Rezart Dabulla	6	1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
	Ervin Bulku	6	1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
	Isli Hidi	6	1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
15	Mark Gurashi	5	1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937
	Rudolf Gurashi	5	1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937
	Emil Hajnali	5	1930, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937
	Florian Riza	5	1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 2000
	Indrit Fortuzi	5	1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004
	Alpin Gallo	5	1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
	Alban Tafaj	5	1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
	Saimir Patushi	5	2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
23	Selman Stërmasi	4	1930, 1931, 1932, 1934
	Hysen Kusi	4	1930, 1931, 1932, 1936
	Pavllo Bukoviku	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Luigj Bytyçi	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Fatmir Frashëri	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Skënder Hyka	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Bahri Ishka	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Ali Mema	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Osman Mema	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Niko Xhaçka	4	1965, 1966, 1968, 1970
	Shkëlqim Muça	4	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
	Mirel Josa	4	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
	Leonard Liti	4	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
	Bedri Omuri	4	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
	Bujar Sharra	4	1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
	Anesti Stoja	4	1985, 1988, 1989, 1995
	Ansi Agolli	4	2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
	Gentjan Hajdari	4	2003, 2004, 2005, 2007

See also

• Albanian clubs in European football

External links

• KF Tirana at UEFA.COM