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==History==
==History==
{{main|History of KF Tirana}}
===1911: The first tournament===
Tirana appeared for the first time in 1911 in the [[1911 Albanian Superliga|first ever championship]] held in Albania. The city was represented with what is believed to be the predecessor of KF Tirana. The team dominated the tournament, defeating Elbasani and Kavaja to make their way to the final, in which they won 6–1 against Peqini, making them Albania's first ever champions. The tournament is still not officially recognised by the [[Albanian Football Association]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.peshkupauje.com/2012/02/tirana-trofeun-e-pare-ne-futboll|title=Tirana, trofeun e parë në futboll?!|trans-title=Tirana, the first trophy in football?!|publisher=Peshku pa Ujë|language=Albanian|date=1 January 2015|accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref>


===1920–1937: Beginnings of Klubi i Futbollit Tirana===
===1911 tournament===
[[File:KF Tirana (1930).gif|left|thumb|The first picture of the KF Tirana squad.]]
{{main|1911 Albanian Superliga}}
Tirana was officially founded on 15 August 1920 by patriot and football enthusiast [[Palokë Nika]], who had previously former [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]]. The first name of the club was ''Sportklub Tirona'' which was later changed into ''Futboll Klub Tirona''. The team played their first official match in October at [[Shallvare]] against Juventus Shkodër.<ref name="Shkodra Sport">{{cite web|url=http://www.shkodrasport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3848%3A-paloke-nika-personazhi-historik-i-sportit-shqiptar&catid=45%3Apersonazhe&Itemid=108&lang=|title=Palok Nika, personazhi historik i sportit shqiptar|trans-title=Palok Nika, the historic character of Albanian sport|publisher=Shkodra Sport|author=Gjergj Kola|language=Albanian|date=|accessdate=14 August 2015}}</ref>
Although still an unofficial event in the official [[FSHF]] footballing history, in 2012 historians revealed what is believed to be the first ever competitive football tournament in the country. It took place in [[Fier]] between 7 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. Tirana was represented with what is believed to be the predecessor of KF Tirana, and in their first game on 7 April 1911 against [[KF Elbasani|Elbasani]] they won 9–4 to progress to the semi-finals, where they defeated [[Besa Kavajë|Kavajë]] 4–0 to reach the final. The final was held on 14 April and was contested between Tirana and [[Shkumbini Peqin|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]].<ref name="peshkupauje.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.peshkupauje.com/2012/02/tirana-trofeun-e-pare-ne-futboll|title=peshkupauje.com|accessdate=15 February 2012}}</ref>


Tirana played their first international match against [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] team Crnogorac [[Cetinje]] from [[Montenegro]] in 1925. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, the club's name changed into ''Sportklub Tirana'', which would be commonly referred to as SK Tirana.<ref>[http://www.tirana1920.info/Historia.html Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005083458/http://www.tirana1920.info/Historia.html |date=5 October 2009 }}</ref> On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica.<ref name="Dizdari12">{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kur-eshte-themeluar-sportklub-tirana/|title=Kur u themelua Sportklub Tirana?|trans-title=When was Sportklub Tirana founded?|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Besnik Dizdari|date=7 November 2012|accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref>
===Early years (1920–29)===
On 15 August 1920,<ref name="Offwebsite"/> shortly after [[Tirana]] became the capital city of Albania, patriot and football enthusiast [[Palokë Nika]], who had already formed [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]] built and trained a new team in Tirana, 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. The captain was Erebara, and the name of the team was ''Sportklub Tirona'', which a few months later was changed into ''Futboll Klub Tirona''. 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 Tirana against Juventus Shkodër, which was a selection of players from Bashkimi Shkodran, modern day [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]], led by [[Palokë Nika]], its captain.<ref name="Shkodra Sport">{{cite web|url=http://www.shkodrasport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3848%3A-paloke-nika-personazhi-historik-i-sportit-shqiptar&catid=45%3Apersonazhe&Itemid=108&lang=|title=Palok Nika, personazhi historik i sportit shqiptar|date=|accessdate=2015-08-14|publisher=Shkodra Sport|author=Gjergj Kola|language=Albanian}}</ref>


in 1930, Tirana took part in the first officially recognised football competition held in Albania, organized by newly founded [[Albanian Football Association]]. The team dominated the [[1930 Albanian Superliga|tournament]], reaching the final after winning five matches, drawing four and losing just one, to finish joint top, along with [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]], albeit with a slightly better goal difference.<ref name="First championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/85-vjet-me-pare-kampionati-i-1-re-i-shqiperise/|title=85 vjet më parë: Kampionati i 1-rë i Shqipërisë|trans-title=85 years ago: The 1st championship of Albania|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=31 May 2015|accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> Tirana faced in the championship final Skënderbeu Korçë, who refused to play as a sign of protest against the bias of the competition and the Albanian Football Association towards Tirana. The club was named champion after the games were awarded 2–0.<ref name="First championship"/>
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 [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] team Crnogorac [[Cetinje]] from [[Montenegro]]. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, the club's name changed into ''Sportklub Tirana'', which would be commonly referred to as SK Tirana.<ref>[http://www.tirana1920.info/Historia.html Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005083458/http://www.tirana1920.info/Historia.html |date=5 October 2009 }}</ref> On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica .<ref name="Dizdari12">[https://web.archive.org/web/20150923031728/http://www.panorama-sport.com/2012/11/kur-eshte-themeluar-sportklub-tirana/#ixzz3iN97tS2s Kur u themelua Sportklub Tirana? Besnik Dizdari on Panorama-Sport 7 November 2012]</ref>


The [[1931 Albanian Superliga|following season]], the club introduced new players such as goalkeeper [[Vasfi Samimi]], Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja. The championship format changed as it divided the teams into two groups. Tirana was placed in [[1931 Albanian Superliga#Group A|Group A]] and managed to finish 1st after collecting five points from three matches. In the final against [[1931 Albanian Superliga#Group A|Group B]] winners [[KF Teuta Durrës|Teuta Durrës]], the team drew 1–1 in the first leg at home but managed a 3–0 win in the second one to retain the championship title.
===Domestic dominance (1930–37)===
[[File:KF Tirana (1930).gif|right|thumb|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 Albanian Superliga|1930 National Championship]], of which SK Tirana had enrolled in. The club reached the championship final after winning 5 games, drawing 4 and losing just one, to finish joint top, along with [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]], albeit with a slightly better goal difference. The championship final games against Skënderbeu Korçë 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 Tirana. SK Tirana was awarded both games 2–0, and were thus crowned champions of Albania for the first time. The 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 also won the inaugural golden boot for being the joint top goal scorers with 3 goals each.<ref>[http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/lajme/artikull/iden/121972/titulli/Kampionati-1-sezoni-1930 Kampionati 1, sezoni 1930]</ref> As multi-disciplinary club, this was the second national championship that Tirana won, as the athletics team had already won the national championship a year earlier, in 1929. The team was received by [[Zog of Albania]], and is, still to this day the only Albanian team to have been received by a monarch.<ref name="Dizdari12"/>


Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football even in the [[1932 Albanian Superliga|next season]], despite the fact that the championship format was changed once again. In a group where every club would play each other twice and the winner would be decided by who finished top of the league, Tirana had it easy as they finished the championship unbeaten, winning five matches and drawing three, winning the title for the third consecutive year, which further cemented their place in history as the first club to dominate football in Albania. The club lost the title for the first time in history in [[1933 Albanian Superliga|1933]], finishing in a disappointing third place out of six, behind Bashkimi Shkodran and the winners Skënderbeu Korçë. It turned out to be a transition period as team bounced back firmly in the [[1934 Albanian Superliga|1934 Championship]], finishing five points ahead of runners-up Skënderbeu Korçë in a seven team format.
The following season the club introduced former [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]] goalkeeper [[Vasfi Samimi]] into the team, who had represented [[Flamurtari Vlorë|Sportklub Vlorë]] the previous season. Other players, such as Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja joined as well the club. The Albanian Football Association decided to alter the format of the championship as they divided the teams into two groups, with SK Tirana 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 [[KF Teuta Durrës|Teuta Durrës]] in the championship final, who they drew 1–1 to at home at Shallvare in a notable game. SK Tirana had opened the scoring and taken the lead through a [[Mark Gurashi]] goal, before Teuta Durrës' goalkeeper [[Niko Dovana]] instructed 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 Tirana complained to the Albanian Football Association on the grounds that a registered goalkeeper cannot play as an outfield player,<ref>[http://www.durreslajm.com/sport/dovana-portieri-që-shënoi-në-Tirana Dovana, portieri që shënoi në Tirana]</ref> 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 Tirana won comfortably 3–0 to win 4–1 on aggregate and to regain the National Championship.


In the next years, Tirana managed to win the [[1936 Albanian Superliga|1936]] and [[1937 Albanian Superliga|1937 championship]], guided by ethnic-Albanian forward [[Riza Lushta]] who was named top goalscorer in both years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba37.html|title=Albanian Football Season 1937|publisher=Giovanni Armillotta|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> This was the last pre-World War II competition held by the Albanian Football Association as there was no championship held in 1938 and World War II broke out in 1939.
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 Tirana went unbeaten throughout the season, with five wins and three draws to their name, including emphatic 6–0 wins over [[KF Elbasani|Urani Elbasan]] and [[KF Teuta Durrës|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.


===1939–1947: War years===
The [[1933 Albanian Superliga|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.<ref>[http://www.calciomondialeweb.it/EUR/ALB/ALBCamp1933.htm Albania 1933]</ref> However, they bounced back firmly in the [[1934 Albanian Superliga|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 [[KF Teuta Durrës|Teuta Durrës]] and [[KF Elbasani|Bashkimi Elbasanas]] respectively, as well as an 8–0 win over [[Flamurtari Vlorë|Sportklub Vlorë]], with [[Mark Gurashi]] being named the top goalscorer with 12 goals.<ref>[http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba34.html Albania 1934]</ref> The following year there was no official competition held by the Albanian Football Association, so only friendly games were played.
In 1939, Albania was under [[Italian invasion of Albania|Italian invasion]]; Giovanni Giro, a loyal trustee of Foreign Minister [[Galeazzo Ciano]], was in charge of organising the first football competition under [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel III]], which was called ''Turneja Kombëtare E Footbollit Për Ndeshjet E Trofeut Të Liktorit'' (National Tour of Football for the Matches of the Lictor Trophy). Tirana participated in the tournament, eliminating 9–0 on aggregate [[KS Pogradeci|Dragoj Pogradeci]] in the first round to reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final, the team played Skënderbeu Korçë, beating them 3–0 to reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër. In the final played at the Shallvare field in the capital on 30 September 1939, Tirana won the trophy by winning 6–5.


A similar tournament was held in the next year by the fascist regime, this time in a group format where teams were divided into two groups based on geography location. Two of Tirana's most important players Kryeziu and Lushta left Albania for Italy to join [[S.S.C. Bari|Bari]] and [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] respectively. In the first match, Tirana drew 2–2 with Vllaznia Shkodër, and then won 3–0 at home against Elbasani. The rest of the campaign did not prove to be fruitful as Vllaznia finished top of the group ahead of Tirana and reached the championship finals, where they defeated Skënderbeu Korçë 11–1 on aggregate to win their first national championship, to this day unrecognized by the Albanian Federal Association.
In 1936 the [[1936 Albanian Superliga|National Championship]] returned and SK Tirana regained their title with a two-point difference between them and runners-up [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]].<ref>[http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba36.html Albania 1936]</ref> The ethnic-Albanian forward from [[Yugoslavia]] [[Riza Lushta]] was the top goalscorer with 11 goals scored in the campaign. The following season the club once again won the National Championship, with Vllaznia Shkodër coming in second place, and [[Riza Lushta]] being named the top goalscorer, this time with a record 25 goals.<ref>[http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba37.html Albania 1937]</ref> This was the last pre-World War II competition held by the Albanian Football Association as there was no championship held in 1938 and [[World War II]] broke out in 1939.


The championship was not held in 1941 but returned in the following year, which also had three clubs from [[Kosovo]]. These clubs from Kosovo competed in the northern section along with the reigning champions Vllaznia Shkodër and Tirana competed in the new middle section group and the southern clubs competed in their own group. In a bizarre ruling, only players born between 1921 and 1925 were allowed to participate in the competition, meaning that only players between the ages of 17 and 22 were allowed to play. However, this rule was not followed by most clubs and senior players did participate in the competition. Tirana reached the semi-finals after winning 5–1 versus Elbasani and drawing 1–1 against Teuta Durrës. In the semi-final, the team faced [[KF Liria|Prizreni]]; the first leg ended in a 2–2 draw while the second one was won by Tirana 2–1. The team thus reached the final once again where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër on 29 June. The regular time ended in a 1–1 draw, leading the Italian referee Michele Carone then asked both sides to play extra time of two 15 minute halves, but Vllaznia declined. Two days after the final had been played the match was awarded 2–0 to Tirana along with the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/trekampionate.html|title=Drejt njohjes së tre kampionate shqiptare të luftës: 1939, 1940 dhe 1942|trans-title=Towards recognition of three Albanian championships of war: 1939, 1940 and 1942|publisher=Giovanni Armillotta|language=Albanian|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref>
===Interwar period (1939–44)===
In 1939, following the [[Italian invasion of Albania]], a [[1939 Albanian Superliga|national football tournament]] was held which featured eight of the country's best clubs at the time, of which SK Tirana was part of. Under the fascist rule of [[Victor Emmanuel III]], king of the [[Albanian Kingdom (1939–43)|Albanian Kingdom]], sports activities in the country were revamped in order to mirror the systems in place in Italy. Giovanni Giro, a loyal trustee of Foreign Minister [[Galeazzo Ciano]], was in charge of organising the first football competition under Victor Emmanuel III, which was called ''Turneja Kombëtare E Footbollit Për Ndeshjet E Trofeut Të Liktorit'' (lang:en|National Tour of Football for the Matches of the Lictor Trophy). In the first round of the tournament, SK Tirana met [[KS Pogradeci|Dragoj Pogradeci]], which they defeated 7–0 in the first leg, with [[Zyber Lisi]] opening the scoring in the 7th minute, after which [[Naim Kryeziu]] netted 5 goals in the 8th, 35th, 68th, 81st and 89th minutes, with Zyber Lisi finding the net once again in the 85th minute. SK Tirana starting formation in the game consisted of previous championship winners Rudolf Gurashi, [[Sllave Llambi]], Foto Janku, Hasan Maluçi, Hasan Balla, Zyber Lisi, Haki Korça, [[Naim Kryeziu]] and [[Mark Gurashi]]. Tirana defeated Dragoj Pogradeci in the second leg as well 2–0, winning 9–0 on aggregate and thus reached the semifinals against [[Skënderbeu Korçë]], on a match played on 6 August 1939. [[Mark Gurashi]] scored the opening goal of the game within 10 minutes, as SK Tirana went on to win 3–0 and reach the final against [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]] on 30 September 1939. The final was played at the Shallvare field in [[Tirana]], in the presence of many important figures in the [[National Fascist Party]] as well as important Albanian nobleman and figures which included [[Eqrem Vlora]], [[Aleksandër Xhuvani]], [[Anton Harapi]], [[Dhimitër Beratti]] and [[Karl Gurakuqi]]. Tirana won the final 6-5 and the championship trophy.


The club won two out of the three National Championships that were held during [[World War II]], but in March 2013, [[Albanian Football Association]] made a decision by refusing to recognize them, stating that they were not legitimate, since they weren't organized by the AFA, but by the fascist regime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/fshf-ja-si-njeh-titujt-e-luftes-acarohen-klubet-kampionate-te-rregullta-mohoni-historine/|title=FSHF s’i njeh titujt e luftës, acarohen klubet: Kampionate të rregullta, mohoni historinë|trans-title=AFA doesn't recognize war's championships, clubs fester: Legitimate championship, you deny the history|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=1 March 2013|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref>
The ruling fascist regime organised a similar competition the following year in 1940, this time in a group format where teams were divided into two groups based on geography location. Two of the club's most important players who had come from [[Kosovo]] had left Albania for Italy to join [[A.S. Bari|Bari]] and [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] respectively. They met [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]] on 17 March in a memorable game which ended in a 2–2 draw, and where the fans left the ground at [[Shallvare]] following two stoppages due to players and staff fighting. The game had started positively with Skënder Gjinali opening the scoring in the 10th minute for Vllaznia, following an assist by Frederik Shkjezi. [[Vasif Biçaku]] then equalised four minutes later, before Zyber Lisi gave Sportklub Tirana the lead in the 40th minute from a [[Skënder Begeja]] cross. However, Vllaznia levelled the scores just 60 seconds later through Met Vasija, following a combination of Muç Koxhja, [[Loro Boriçi]] and the goalscorer Vasija. On 31 March they met [[KF Elbasani|Elbasani]] at [[Shallvare]] in a thrilling game which saw the home side go 3–0 down through goals by Progri, Shefqet Lamçja and Kasapi in the 30th, 48th and 56th minute respectively. Sportklub Tirana then scored a free kick through Vasif Biçaku in the 60th minute, to begin a comeback which saw three goals in three minutes, before Zyber Lisi scored the winner in the 85th minute. The rest of the campaign did not prove to be fruitful as Vllaznia finished top of the group ahead of Sportklub Tirana and reached the championship finals, where they defeated [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]] 11–1 on aggregate to win their first national championship, to this day unrecognized by the Albanian Federal Association.


===1944–1957: Postwar period===
There was no competition held in 1941 but on 21 April of the same year, the foreign ministers of Italy and Germany met in [[Vienna]] and concluded that most of Kosovo should join Albania to become what was known as the [[Albanian Kingdom (1939–43)|Kingdom of Albania]] under [[Victor Emmanuel III]]. In 1942 the national championship was held with the inclusion of three clubs from Kosovo, which were [[KF Liria|Prizreni]], [[KF Besa|Peja]] and [[FC Prishtina|KF Prishtina]]. These clubs from Kosovo competed in the northern section along with the reigning champions [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]] and Sportklub Tirana competed in the new middle section group and the southern clubs competed in their own group. In a bizarre ruling, only players born between 1921 and 1925 were allowed to participate in the competition, meaning that only players between the ages of 17 and 22 were allowed to play. However, this rule was not followed by most clubs and senior players did participate in the competition. Another rule was that all participants had to members of one of the youth fascist groups, but this was merely a formality as many players who were anti-fascist competed. Tirana defeated [[KF Elbasani|Elbasani]] 5–1 and drew 1–1 with [[KF Teuta Durrës|Teuta Durrës]] to reach the semi final against [[KF Liria|Prizreni]] which was played in [[Tirana]] over two legs on 26 and 27 June. During the first leg, [[Zyber Lisi]] opened the scoring through a 21st-minute penalty before doubling the lead just 7 minutes later. Former SK Tirana player Skender Gjinali then scored for Prizreni on the 30th minute before Hasani equalised on the 81st minute and sent the game to extra time, but a winner could not be decided while led to a replay the following day. The scoring in the replay was opened by Akil Derani on the 17th minute, with Zyber Lisi scoring a minute later to make it 2–0 to the SK Tirana. Skender Gjinali scored a conciliation goal for Prizreni in the 76th minute but they could not equalise, and SK Tirana reached the final against [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Shkodra]] on 29 June. The final was played at the [[Shallvare]] and Shyqyri Bylyku opened the scoring for SK Tirana in the 65th minute before Pali equalised in the 90th minute. Italian referee Michele Carone then asked both sides to play extra time of two 15 minute halves but Shkodra refused to continue play without a concrete reason, although it has been suggested that the darkness was one of the reasons. Two days after the final had been played the match was awarded 2–0 to SK Tirana along with the title.<ref>[http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/trekampionate.html Giovanni Armillotta]</ref><ref>[http://www.sktirana.com/public/kuvend/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=466 Kampionatet e kohës së Luftës II Botërore] {{sq icon}}</ref>
[[File:Myslym Alla.jpg|thumb|left|170px|[[Myslym Alla]], coached Tirana from 1956 to 1972.]]
Following the end of World War II, footballing activities resumed as they had done before the war under the guidance of the Albanian Football Association. In the championship of [[1945 Albanian Superliga|1945]], Tirana was placed in [[1945 Albanian Superliga#Group B|Group B]]. The team topped the group easily, collecting 16 points from 10 matches, thus reaching the final where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër once again. They lost both matches 2–1, thus missing the opportunity to win another championship.


Under [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|communist regime]] led by dictator [[Enver Hoxha]], Tiran would quickly become a victim as in early March 1946 the ruling communist [[Politburo]] had instructed the club to change its name to 17 Nëntori in honour of the Liberation of Tirana which took place on 17 November 1944. In the following decade, the club was subject to appalling treatment by the regime, and this was highlighted by the creation of a privilege system for the newly created communist backed teams [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] and [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo Tirana]].
The club won two out of the three National Championships that were held during [[World War II]], with the other championship being won by [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]] in 1940. The [[Albanian Football Association|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 [[Albanian Football Association|AFA]], but by the Fascist regime.<ref>{{cite web|author=FSH |url=http://www.partizani.net/files/news.php?readmore=8820 |title=AFA's General Assembly: War championships are not legitimate |publisher=Partizani.net |date=2013-02-28 |accessdate=2014-03-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220023736/http://www.partizani.net/files/news.php?readmore=8820 |archivedate=20 February 2014 |df= }}</ref>


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 [[Ministry of Defence (Albania)|Defense Ministry]] team and Dinamo, the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Albania)|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 1947–57, 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.
A ridiculous decision, considering the fact that AFA has officially recognized the [[1938–39 Albanian Cup|King's Cup]] in February 1939 and KF Tirana as winner. Cup was concluded just few months prior to the 1939 championship start and AFA were in full charge and control of all sport activities.


===1958–1990: Decline and revival, communist decades===
===Postwar period (1944–57)===
[[File:Arben Minga.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Arben Minga]], also known as ''Beni i madh'', was one of the best Albanian strikers during 1970s and 1980s.]]
Following the end of [[World War II]], Albania fell in the hands of the socialist dictator [[Enver Hoxha]], and footballing activities resumed as they had done before the war under the guidance of the Albanian Football Association. The first championship held was in [[1945 Albanian Superliga|1945]] and Tirana were placed in Group B along with a short lived military team under the name of Ylli, [[KS Elbasani|Bashkimi Elbasanas]], [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]], [[KF Apolonia Fier|Apolonia Fier]] and [[Luftëtari Gjirokastër|Shqiponja Gjirokastër]]. Tirana eased through to reach the finals, after finishing top of the group with 16 points, 7 wins, 2 draws and one loss. In the first led of the finals on 23 December Tirana met [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]], who they lost 2–1 to, but Vasif Biçaku's late goal gave Tirana some hope for the second leg on 26 December. Vllaznia won the second leg 2–1 once again, with Tirana's only goal coming from a Besim Fagu penalty. Vllaznia won what is officially recognised as their first title, in a season where [[Loro Boriçi]] was the top goalscorer.<ref>[http://www.oocities.org/ga57/albania/alba45.html Albania 1945]</ref> Despite a relatively successful season which saw the club finish as runners-up, they would quickly become victims of the ruling Communist regime under [[Enver Hoxha]]'s dictatorship. In early March 1946 at the Nacional movie theatre in Tirana, the ruling Communist [[Politburo]] had instructed the club to change its name to 17 Nëntori in honour of the Liberation of Tirana which took place on 17 November 1944. In the following decade, the club was subject to appalling treatment by the Communists, and this was highlighted by the creation of a privilege system for the newly created Communist backed teams [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] and [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo Tirana]].

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: [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani]], the Defense Ministry team and [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo]], the Internal Affairs Ministry team. Dozens of Tirana’s talented players were "convinced", against their will, to play for either [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani]] or [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo]]. As a result, "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–57, 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.

===1958–70===
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 [[Myslym Alla]]. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.
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 [[Myslym Alla]]. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.


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 1966–67 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sktirana.com/public/kuvend/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=313 |title=SK Tirana Forum |publisher=Sktirana.com |date= |accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballikombit.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=9 |title=Dictature eliminates true champions |publisher=Ballikombit.org |date= |accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref>
===Championship of 1966–67===
The team repeated the success the year after, but this was an obvious challenge to [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani]]'s generals and [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo]]'s secret service bosses. After having practically won the 1966–67 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sktirana.com/public/kuvend/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=313 |title=SK Tirana Forum |publisher=Sktirana.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballikombit.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=9 |title=Dictature eliminates true champions |publisher=Ballikombit.org |date= |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>


After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–70 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rsssf.com/tablesa/albachamp.html |title=RSSSF Albania |publisher=Rsssf.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>
After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–70 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rsssf.com/tablesa/albachamp.html |title=RSSSF Albania |publisher=Rsssf.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>


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 [[Albanian Cup|national cup]] twice. The generation of older players came to the end of 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 [[1981–82 Albanian Superliga|1981–82 season]], and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in [[1984–85 Albanian Superliga|1984–85]], [[1987–88 Albanian Superliga|1987–88]] and [[1988–89 Albanian Superliga|1988–89]] and the Albanian Cup in [[1982–83 Albanian Cup|1982–83]], [[1983–84 Albanian Cup|1983–84]] and [[1985–86 Albanian Cup|1985–86]]. The club was also successful in European club competitions, reaching there the round of 16 four times in the 1980s, and many of the team's players made up the core of the Albania national football team, such as [[Agustin Kola]], [[Arben Minga]], [[Shkëlqim Muça]] and [[Mirel Josa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/profil-mirel-josa-nga-shpresa-e-mrekullive-te-titulli-i-arte/|title=Profil, Mirel Josa / Nga Shpresa e mrekullive, te titulli i artë…|trans-title=Profile, Mirel Josa / From Under-21 of miracles, to the golden title…|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=1 June 2015|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zemrashqiptare.net/news/id_6742/cid_63/Agustin-Kola,-Mjesht%C3%ABr-i-Merituar-sporti,-nj%C3%AB-nga-ikonat-e-futbollit-bardheblu.html|title=Agustin Kola, Mjeshtër i Merituar sporti, një nga ikonat e futbollit bardheblu|trans-title=Agustin Kola, Deserved Sports Master, one of the whiteblue's football icons|publisher=Zemra Shqiptare|language=Albanian|date=8 February 2009|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetatema.net/2017/07/07/profil-arben-minga-gjiganti-qe-tronditi-byrone-politike-ne-legjendaren-7-3-te-1985-s/|title=Arben Minga, gjiganti që tronditi Byronë Politike në legjendaren “7-3” të 1985-s|trans-title=Arben Minga, the giant who shaked the political bureau in the legendary “7-3” of 1985|publisher=Gazeta Tema|language=Albanian|date=7 July 2017|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref>
===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 of 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 [[1981–82 Albanian Superliga|1981–82]] season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in [[1984–85 Albanian Superliga|1984–85]], [[1987–88 Albanian Superliga|1987–88]] and [[1988–89 Albanian Superliga|1988–89]] and the [[Albanian Cup]] in [[1982–83 Albanian Cup|1982–83]], [[1983–84 Albanian Cup|1983–84]] and [[1985–86 Albanian Cup|1985–86]]. The club was also successful in European club competitions, reaching there the [[round of 16]] four times in the 1980s, and many of the team's players made up the core of the [[Albania national football team]], such as [[Agustin Kola]], [[Arben Minga]], [[Shkelqim Muca]] and [[Mirel Josa]].{{cn|date=August 2018}}

===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 1994–95 season, KF 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rsssf.com/tablesa/albachamp.html |title=RSSSF Champions |publisher=Rsssf.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>


===Recent seasons and the present===
===1991–2006: Return to success===
In August 1991, less then a year following the [[fall of communism in Albania]], Tirana regained its old name, and 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. The team returned to the winning ways by winning the Albanian Cup in the [[1993–94 Albanian Cup|1993–94 season]], defeating 1–0 on aggregate Teuta Durrës.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rsssf.com/tablesa/alba94.html|title=Albania 1993/94
[[File:FC Utrecht-KF Tirana.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Utrecht-KF Tirana]]
|publisher=RSSSF.com|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> Shortly after, in January 1995, the team won also their first [[Albanian Supercup]] trophy, defeating 1–0 Teuta Durrës at [[Qemal Stafa Stadium]]. A couple of months later, they clinched their 15th championship by finishing 12 points ahead of the runner-up Teuta Durrës.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba95.html|title=Albanian Football Season 1994-95|publisher=Giovanni Armillotta|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref>
Between years 1993–07 Tirana completed another significant feat, still unmatched from any other Albanian club; their end-of-season ranking never dropped from 2nd place within 14 consecutive seasons. 9 championship trophies and 5 runners-up were achieved during this period, as well as 6 Cups and 7 Supercups were added in club's palmares.


This championship was followed by another one in the [[1995–96 Albanian Superliga|1995–96 season]], as Tirana won it just one point ahead of Teuta Durrës once again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/alba96.html|title=Albanian Football Season 1995-96|publisher=Giovanni Armillotta|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> The team also clinched the [[1995–96 Albanian Cup|cup]] in that season, completing the [[Double (association football)|domestic double]] for the second time in history. Another domestic double followed in 1998–99 season. In the following years, Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football, winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rsssf.com/tablesa/albachamp.html|title=Albania - List of Champions|publisher=RSSSF.com|author=Eric Boesenberg|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> The team also dominated in the domestic cups, adding to their trophy cabinet three Albanian Cups and five other Albanian Supercups.
Even though KF Tirana has dominated in nearly last three decades, since 2007 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. Here is a summary of Tirana's recent years performance:


====Post El-Sayed era====
===2007–present: Refik Halili era===
[[File:Elvis Sina.jpg|thumb|left|190px|[[Elvis Sina]], most-capped player in the history of Tirana with more than 500 appearances in all competitions.]]
Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club win the [[Albanian Superliga]] comfortably, KF Tirana began to struggle and they kicked off the season with two losses in the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] against Slovenian side [[NK Domžale]] meaning they were knocked out in the second qualifying round. Despite winning the [[Albanian Supercup]] in the next game against [[Besa Kavajë]], the club had a difficult start to the season, as they won only one of their opening 8 games. They did regain some form and managed to reach third spot, but they ended the season poorly and ultimately finished 6th, their worst finish since 1993. In the [[Albanian Cup]] they defeated [[KF Butrinti Sarandë|Butrinti Sarandë]], [[KF Laçi]], [[KS Kastrioti|Kastrioti Krujë]] and [[KF Elbasani]] to reach the final against [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]], which they lost 2–0 as they failed to save their season. Tirana had a successful 2008–09 season, where they managed to win their 24 league title as well reach the final of the [[Albanian Cup]]. On 14 October 2008 the faced Italian giants [[AC Milan]] in a friendly as part of the first ever [[Taçi Oil Cup]], also known as the Taçi Oil Albania Reads Trophy, which was a [[UNICEF]] backed project aimed at raising funds to create 100 new libraries in schools across Albania. Tirana defeated a strong AC Milan side 2–1, following goals from [[Daniel Xhafa]] and [[Gjergji Muzaka]] before [[Ronaldinho]] scored a conciliation goal in injury time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2008/10/14/912536/milan-beaten-by-tirana-in-friendly |title=Milan Beaten By Tirana In Friendly |publisher=Goal.com |date=14 October 2008 |accessdate=26 July 2012}}</ref> Despite winning the league the previous season, Tirana struggled during the 2009–10 campaign and the instability in terms of the ownership proved to be detrimental to their season as they went trophy-less, finishing third in the league and being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Albanian Cup. During the 2010–11 season there were major controversies off the field, as there was an ongoing dispute between the club's chief and president, which led to a delay in paying the players' wages and even some players not receiving their wages. The results on the field were also largely negative, and there were three head coached throughout the campaign, as [[Sulejman Starova]], [[Nevil Dede]] and the Croatian [[Mišo Krstičević]] all being in charge of the squad at some stage during the 2010–11 campaign which saw the club finish 5th. They did however do well in the cup, as they defeated local rivals [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo Tirana]] on penalties in the final as they won the Albanian Cup and earned a spot in the [[Europa League]] qualifiers for the following season. However, due to late preparations that included a delay in signing new players and appointing a head coach, the club failed to reach the second qualifying round as they were knocked out by Slovakian side [[FC Spartak Trnava|Spartak Trnava]].<ref>[[2011–12 UEFA Europa League#Second qualifying round]]</ref>
Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club win the Albanian Superliga comfortably, the team begun to struggle for results. They begun the season by getting eliminated from the [[2006–07 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]] by [[NK Domžale]]. Despite winning the Albanian Supercup versus [[Besa Kavajë]], Tirana managed only a 6th place finish their worst finish since 1993. In cup, the team lost the final to [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]].


In the following season, Tirana bounced back; inspired by striker [[Migen Memelli]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Migen-Memelli-blerja-e-bujshme-e-rekordmeneve.91596/|title=Migen Memelli, blerja e bujshme e rekordmenëve|trans-title=Migen Memelli, the sensational purchase of recordmans|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|work=Albanian Sport|language=Albanian|date=7 July 2008|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> who went on to score 30 goals, Tirana managed to win the championship for the 24th time in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Tirana-24-here-kampione-e-Shqiperise.248539/|title=Tirana, 24 here kampione e Shqiperise|trans-title=Tirana, 24 times champion of Albania|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|work=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=24 May 2009|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> In cup they reached another final, only to be defeated again, this time by [[Flamurtari Vlorë]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Flamurtari-i-rremben-Tiranes-Kupen-dhe-UEFA-n.239850/|title=Flamurtari i rrëmben Tiranës Kupën dhe UEFA-n|trans-title=Flamurtari takes from Tirana the cup and UEFA|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|work=BalkanWeb.com|language=Albanian|date=7 May 2009|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> In the next years, Tirana experiences mixed fortunes, being unable to win the championship but remaining on top in domestic cups, winning the Albanian Cup in [[2010–11 Albanian Cup|2010–11]] and [[2011–12 Albanian Cup|2011–12]], and three other Albanian Supercups in 2009, 2011 and 2012. There was also major controversies off the field between club's chief and president in the 2010–11 season, which led to a delay in paying the players' wages and even some players not receiving their wages.
====Status change====
Despite winning the [[2011 Albanian Supercup]], KF Tirana had another difficult season, and on 12 October 2011 the [[Municipality of Tirana]] city council voted through a unanimous decision to change the status of the club from a municipality owned to a shareholder own one, under the name KF Tirana Sh.A, with the municipality of Tirana initially holding a 100% stake in the club but with the possibility of any future private sponsors and donors to own stocks in the club.<ref>[http://www.top-channel.tv/artikull.php?id=220524&ref=fp Tirana kthehet ne sh.a.] (in Albanian)</ref>


On 12 October 2011, [[Municipality of Tirana]] city council voted through a unanimous decision to change the status of the club from a municipality owned to a shareholder own one, under the name KF Tirana Sh.A, with the municipality of Tirana initially holding a 100% stake in the club but with the possibility of any future private sponsors and donors to own stocks in the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top-channel.tv/2011/10/13/tirana-vlen-5-miliarde-leke/|title=“Tirana” vlen 5 miliardë lekë|trans-title=“Tirana” worth 5 billion lek|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=13 October 2011|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref>
====Julián Rubio era====
On the field they won the Supercup and Cup despite major financial setbacks caused by the change in status. Spanish coach [[Julián Rubio]] led the side to two out of three trophies during the 2011–12 campaign, and they finished third in the league despite major departures just before the start of the season and players not receiving their wages on time. The club sold their main striker [[Bekim Balaj]] to [[AC Sparta Prague|Sparta Prague]] ahead of the new season, and they failed to bring in quality players in time for their [[Europa League]] run, which saw them defeat modest [[CS Grevenmacher]] from Luxembourg, before being knocked out by Norwegian side [[Aalesunds FK|Aalesund]]. They won the Supercup in their next game, but they lost their Spanish head coach Julián Rubio due to a contract disagreement,<ref>[http://www.sportekspres.com/contenti.aspx?idjadok=27546&id=542 Dreka e lamtumirës Rubio, drejtuesve: Do të iki të punoj te Reali i Madridit] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20130111084927/http://www.sportekspres.com/contenti.aspx?idjadok=27546&id=542 |date=11 January 2013 }}; Sport Ekspres, 29 August 2012 {{sq icon}}</ref> and they appointed former accomplished KF Tirana player [[Artur Lekbello]] as head coach, but he struggled in charge and after a poor start to the season he handed in his resignation after just 42 days. The technical director [[Alban Tafaj]] took charge as interim coach as he had done previously, before [[Nevil Dede]] returned to the club, who guided them to a disappointing 5th spot. Dede, intending to use younger players as the basis for the future, presented a project to the club's board and was eventually offered a two-year contract, but the 2013–14 began in turmoil as players had gone unpaid due to the [[Tirana city council]]'s failure to sell club assets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/opinion/jepini-tiranes-ate-i-takon-tiranes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218225410/http://www.panorama-sport.com/opinion/jepini-tiranes-ate-i-takon-tiranes/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2013-12-18 |title=Give Tirana what belongs to...Tirana |publisher=Panorama-sport.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-25 }}</ref>


Starting from 2013, Tirana entered in a period of disappointments. In the [[2013–14 KF Tirana season|2013–14 season]], the team was seriously in risk of getting relegated for the first time in history. By the end of December 2013 the team was ranked in the last position with only 10 points from 13 matches, 7 points away from the safe zone. However, with [[Gugash Magani]] as manager and a strong transfer market, the team bounced back and eventually finished in 6th position, escaping the relegation only in the penultimate match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/barazim-ne-vlore-mbijeton-tirana-magani-ia-dolem-jam-i-gatshem-qe-te-rinovoj/|title=Barazim në Vlorë, mbijeton Tirana. Magani: Tani që ia dolëm, jam i gatshëm që të rinovoj|trans-title=A draw in Vlorë, Tirana survives. Magani: Now that we made it, i'm ready to renew|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Ermal Sika|date=4 May 2014|accessdate=22 August 2018}}</ref> On 26 June 2014, the Tirana city council approved a proposal to give private donors a 66% stake in the club's assets for the next 18 years, which at the time fell in the hands of [[Refik Halili]] and Lulzim Morina, which enabled such donors to invest in players, facilities and youth teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/tirana-do-menaxhohet-nga-aksionere-jepet-ne-perdorim-per-18-vite-ndahen-borxhet/|title=Tirana do menaxhohet nga aksionerë. Jepet në përdorim për 18 vite, ndahen borxhet|trans-title=Tirana will be managed by shareholders. Will be used for 18 years, debts are allocated|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Adela Merko|date=27 June 2014|accessdate=22 August 2018}}</ref>
====Refik Halili II and avoided relegation====
The situation on the field was heavily disrupted by off field troubles, and the squad was made up only 10 players with little experience just weeks before the start of the season, before three wealthy local businessmen took charge of the club to provide much needed short term investments. [[Ndriçim Babasi]] was appointed president, whilst former president [[Refik Halili]] and Lulzim Morina were also co-donors during the 2013–14 season, and they were able to bring in some new players ahead of the season. Despite the collective efforts of Babasi, Halili and Morina to build a squad days before the start of the season, the club made a poor start to the campaign which led to the departure of head coach Dede, who was replaced by [[Alpin Gallo]], who himself lasted only 5 games before being fired. The board opted for an experienced head coach and hired [[Gugash Magani]], who was given the task of avoiding relegation, which is something the club had never experienced. Magani succeeded in keeping the club up as they finished 6th in what is considered to be one of the worst seasons in the club's history.


[[File:Selman Stërmasi Stadium (10).jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Selman Stërmasi Stadium]] was renovated between 2014 and 2015.]]
====Refik Halili III====
Tirana begun the [[2014–15 KF Tirana season|2014–15 season]] with high expectations, challenging for the title in the first part of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/mbyllet-faza-e-pare-e-superiores-bashkekryesojne-tirana-dhe-partizani-me-nga-18-pike/|title=Mbyllet faza e parë e Superiores, Tirana dhe Partizani kryesojnë me nga 18 pikë|trans-title=The first part of Albanian Superliga ends, Tirana and Partizani leads with 18 points|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=26 October 2014|accessdate=30 October 2014}}</ref> In the second part, however, the team declined and ultimately finished in 5th position. In cup, Tirana was controversially eliminated from [[KF Laçi|Laçi]] in the semi-final 1–0 on aggregate. Laçi eventually won the final against [[FK Kukësi|Kukësi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/finalja-e-kupes-se-shqiperise-mes-kukesit-dhe-lacit-perplasen-tifozet-bllokojne-autostraden-qe-lidh-me-kryeqytetin/|title=Laçi fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, mund 2-1 Kukësin në finale. Veliaj dhe Xhejms bënë diferencën|trans-title=Laçi wins Albanian Cup, defeats 2-1 Kukësi in the final. Veliaj and James makes the diference (VIDEO)|publisher=Panorama.com.al|language=Albanian|date=29 May 2015|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> leaving Tirana without Europa League football once again. The club was relegated during the [[2016–17 KF Tirana season|2016–17 season]].<ref name="Relegation">{{cite web|url=http://gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2017/05/27/tragjike-tirana-bie-nga-kategoria-per-here-te-pare-ne-histori/|title=Tragjike, Tirana bie nga kategoria për herë të parë në histori|trans-title=Tragical, Tirana relegated for the first time in history|publisher=Gazeta Shqip|language=Albanian|date=27 May 2017|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> From title contender halfway through the season, Tirana fell continuously to dramatically succumb to relegation for the first time in their history. [[Ilir Daja]] was sacked on 1 November following a goalless draw against Vllaznia Shkodër,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top-channel.tv/2016/05/20/trajneri-ilir-daja-dorehiqet-nga-tirana/|title=Trajneri Ilir Daja dorëhiqet nga Tirana|trans-title=Coach Ilir Daja resigns from Tirana|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=1 November 2016|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> and was replaced by the returned [[Mirel Josa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://klankosova.tv/prezantohet-josa-tirana-nje-pergjegjesi/|title=Prezantohet Josa: Tirana një përgjegjësi|trans-title=Josa presented: Tirana a responsibility|publisher=Klan Kosova|language=Albanian|date=2 November 2016|accessdate=2 November 2016}}</ref> The club also broke the relationship with the fans after allowing with their lifetime rivals [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] to play at [[Selman Stërmasi Stadium]]; they opposed such an agreement and subsequently abandoned the matches for the entire season as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetatema.net/2017/01/25/zyrtare-partizani-do-te-luaje-ne-selman-stermasi/|title=Zyrtare: Partizani do të luajë në “Selman Stermasi”|trans-title=Official: Partizani will play at “Selman Stermasi”|publisher=Gazeta Tema|language=Albanian|date=25 January 2017|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref>
On 26 June 2014 the Tirana city council approved a proposal to give private donors a 66% stake in the club's assets for the next 18 years, which at the time fell in the hands of [[Refik Halili]] and Lulzim Morina, which enabled such donors to invest in players, facilities and youth teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/kategoria-superiore/vendimi-tirana-jepet-ne-perdorim-per-18-vite/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/20140626204255/http://www.panorama-sport.com/kategoria-superiore/vendimi-tirana-jepet-ne-perdorim-per-18-vite/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2014-06-26 |title=Tirana given for use for next 18 years |publisher=Panorama-sport.com |date= |accessdate=2014-06-26 }}</ref> Ahead of the 2014–15, head coach Magani and the rest of the back room staff with the backing of Refik Halili aimed to put together a squad capable of winning the league for the first time since 2009. They were title challengers in a highly competitive season, as [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]], [[FK Kukësi]] and [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] all invested generously in their squads to be able to compete for the title, which eventually went to Skënderbeu Korçë for the fifth time in a row, as KF Tirana failed to carry on their good form in the closing stages of the season and ultimately finished fourth. FK Kukësi lost the final of the Albanian Cup to [[KF Laçi]] which meant that KF Tirana also failed to qualify for the Europa League, thus ending the season trophy-less and failing to qualify for Europe. During the winter break major investments were made in the training facilities at the [[Skënder Halili Complex]] as well as the [[Selman Stërmasi Stadium]], with the latter being reconstructed as the club sought to return to the stadium permanently the following season. Magani left the club at the end of the season, and former coach [[Shkëlqim Muça]] replaced him for 2015-16 season whose only task was to win the Superliga title. But on 17 October 2015, he got sacked by the club as they failed to win against [[KF Bylis Ballsh|Bylis Ballsh]], [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu]], [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani]] and [[Flamurtari Vlorë|Flamurtari]] which meant their title chances were on the brink of slipping away for yet another season. Just before November 2015, [[Ilir Daja]] took over to be the next manager. At the end of that month, the [[Selman Stërmasi Stadium]] was reopened for the club to play their games again. Heading into January 2016, they only experienced defeat in just one game, against [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu]] in November 2015.
However, subsequently Tirana ended the League at the 5th spot, in a neutral position, yet again trophy-less and out of European participation for the 3rd time in a row. Cup campaign saw them only reaching quarter-finals, eliminated from [[KF Flamurtari]], even though having won the first leg away match.


Tirana then endured a 15 winless match streak before winning 2–0 against [[Korabi Peshkopi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2017/05/10/tirana-kthehet-te-fitorja-pas-15-javesh-kukesi-ruan-kreun/|title=Tirana kthehet te fitorja pas 15 javësh. Kukësi ruan kreun|trans-title=Tirana returns to the win after 15 weeks. Kukësi saves the lead|publisher=Gazeta Shqip|language=Albanian|date=10 May 2017|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> Their relegation was officially confirmed on 27 May following a goalless draw versus fellow relegation strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër.<ref name="Relegation"/> In cup, Tirana did much better, winning their 16th trophy on 31 May after defeating [[2017 Albanian Cup Final|3–1]] Skënderbeu Korçë at [[Elbasan Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fshf.org/index.php/sq/lajme/5662-tirana-fiton-kupen-e-shqiperise-sezoni-2016-2017|title=Tirana fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, sezoni 2016-2017|trans-title=Tirana wins Albanian Cup, 2016-2017 season|publisher=FSHF.org|language=Albanian|date=31 May 2017|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> This meant the return of Tirana in European competitions after five years.
====Relegation for the first time in history====
The 2016-17 was one of the most strange and contradictory seasons. From title contender halfway through the season, Tirana fell continuously to dramatically succumb to relegation for the first time in their history.
The season started well with coach [[Ilir Daja]] and by end of first quarter Tirana had lost only one match and was 3 points from the top of the table. However, Daja got sacked after the home draw against [[KS Vllaznia|Vllaznia]]. [[Mirel Josa]] was then appointed as the new coach. Even though he won the next two home matches, Tirana started wasting points home and away (especially a home draw against [[KS Korabi Peshkopi]]).
To add further to the insult, an unexpected agreement between Tirana's [[Refik Halili|president]] and their rivals, [[KF Partizani]] agreed that Tirana was to share their home stadium for the rest of the season with [[KF Partizani]], this broke the club's relationship with their fans who had always opposed such an agreement. They subsequently abandoned the matches for the entire season as a result.
By end of half season, club dismissed several "unsuitable" players. And as Tirana was preparing to bring new players such as [[Elis Bakaj]] and others in order to withstand the rest of season, they faced [[UEFA]]'s restrictions due to a pending debt. This caused further shrinkage in the group's quality.
By end of the third quarter, the team was struggling at bottom four with 3 matches left, Tirana needed at least 5 points to completely elude [[relegation]].Their last game was an away match against [[KS Vllaznia|Vllaznia]] who were themselves fighting to stay in the League and needed just one point, whereas Tirana needed the win. However, after a hard-fought match, they tied the game, finished the season 9th and were therefore relegated.
Contrary to League display, Tirana won the Cup for record 16th time defeating [[KS Skenderbeu Korce]] in final after extra time. Tirana did not lose a single match along the campaign. Cup trophy also meaning participation in the [[2017–18 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|Europa League qualifying round]] after a 5-year absence.


Tirana retained most of their players ahead of the new season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/senatoret-nisin-fushate-te-tirana-po-bindin-lojtaret-qe-te-qendrojne/|title="Senatorët" nisin fushatë te Tirana, po bindin lojtarët që të qëndrojnë|trans-title="Senators" begins campaign at Tirana, they are convincing the players to stay|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=2 June 2017|accessdate=16 June 2017}}</ref> The club appointed former [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] international [[Zé Maria (footballer, born 1973)|Zé Maria]] as the new manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/ex-gor-mahia-coach-ze-maria-appointed-in-albania/o40x3bqmdrol1wgfuwbrrikf3|title=EX-GOR MAHIA COACH ZE MARIA APPOINTED IN ALBANIA|publisher=Goal.com|author=Dennis Mabuka|date=16 June 2017|accessdate=26 November 2017}}</ref> The team eliminated from the [[2017–18 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]] by [[Israel]]'s [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2018/matches/round=2000886/match=2021763/index.html#/|title=Tirana 0-3 M. Tel-Aviv|publisher=UEFA.com|date=6 July 2017|accessdate=26 November 2017}}</ref> In September 2017, Tirana won another trophy, their 11th [[Albanian Supercup]] after winning [[2017 Albanian Supercup|1–0]] against Kukësi.<ref name="Albanian Supercup">{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/finalja-e-superkupes-tirana-godet-ne-fund/|title=Finalja e Superkupës, Tirana godet në fund|trans-title=Supercup final, Tirana strikes at the end|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=6 September 2017|accessdate=18 November 2017}}</ref> They also set a record by becoming the [[Albanian First Division]] side to win the Supercup.<ref name="Albanian Supercup"/> In the league Tirana dominated with hammering results in either home or away matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/tirana-show-shkumbini-turperohet-ne-peqin/|title=Tirana "show", Shkumbini turpërohet në Peqin|trans-title=Tirana “show”, Shkumbini humiliated at Peqin|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=14 October 2017|accessdate=28 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://telesport.al/kategoria-e-pare-tirana-shkermoq-pogradecin-vulos-kreun-e-renditjes-ne-grupin-b/|title=Kategoria e Parë, Tirana shkërmoq Pogradecin, vulos kreun e renditjes në Grupin B|trans-title=Albanian First Division, Tirana crumble Pogradeci, seals the lead of ranking in Group B|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|author=Julian Hoxhaj|date=17 December 2017|accessdate=28 June 2018}}</ref> Club's goal of a quick promotion in Superliga was reached with three spare rounds to play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2018/04/14/futbolli-ne-feste-tirana-rikthehet-ne-superiore/|title=Futbolli në festë, Tirana rikthehet në Superiore|trans-title=Football is celebrating, Tirana returns to Superliga|publisher=Gazeta Shqip|language=Albanian|date=14 April 2018|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref> Tirana won their first ever [[Albanian First Division]] title on 16 May by winning 2–0 against the Group A winners [[KS Kastrioti|Kastrioti Krujë]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-dopieta-e-greces-tirana-mposht-kastriotin-dhe-shpallet-kampione-e-kategorise-se-pare/|title=VIDEO/ Dopieta e Grecës, Tirana mposht Kastriotin dhe shpallet kampione e Kategorisë së Parë|trans-title=VIDEO/ Greca's double, Tirana defeats Kastrioti and named Albanian First Division champion|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=16 May 2018|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref>
====[[José Marcelo Ferreira|Zé Maria]] era, [[Albanian First Division|First Division]] dominance and quick promotion====
Club's smart move on an unknown territory was keeping nearly all their players with unchanged salaries, as they used to get in top flight. Tirana became the only club in First Division to have an overall high budget, compared with only top clubs in Superliga.
Club approached [[José Marcelo Ferreira|Zé Maria]], a former [[Inter Milan|Inter]] player with 25 caps for [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]]. Zé Maria brought his own professional staff. His first official challenge would be [[Europa League]] matches against [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi]], both lost with Tirana eliminated. Tirana became the first [[Albania]]n football club post relegation, to compete in European competition and at the same time win a major domestic trophy.
After their short European adventure, club started serious preparations for the journey in First Division. Zé Maria's first trophy as Tirana coach would be the [[2017 Albanian Supercup|Supercup]], defeating [[FK Kukësi]] with a last minute goal of promising talent [[Erion Hoxhallari]].
In the league Tirana dominated with hammering results in either home or away matches. Club's goal of a quick promotion in Superliga was reached with 3 spare rounds to play. White and blues also won the trophy of First Division, in their 2-0 won final against the other group winners [[KS Kastrioti]].
At the domestic Cup Tirana reached quarter finals, however their progress was cut short when eliminated from [[FK Kukësi]].


==Grounds==
==Grounds==

Revision as of 14:16, 23 August 2018

KF Tirana
Full nameKlubi i Futbollit Tirana
Nickname(s)Bardheblutë (White and blues)
Short nameTirana
FoundedAugust 15, 1920; 103 years ago (1920-08-15),
as Shoqata Sportive Agimi[1]
GroundSelman Stërmasi Stadium
Capacity9,600[2]
PresidentRefik Halili
Head coachZé Maria
LeagueAlbanian Superliga
2017–18Albanian First Division, Group B, 1st (promoted)
WebsiteClub website
Current season

KF Tirana (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana) is an Albanian football club based in the country's capital city, Tirana. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 51 recognized major domestic trophies. They play their home games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana and they play in the Albanian Superliga.

The club was founded on 15 August 1920[1] as Shoqata Sportive Agimi, which translates to the Agimi Sports Association, and they had since participated in all the top tier national championships ever held in Albania. However the ninth-place finish in the 2016-17 season relegated the club to the Albanian First Division (second-tier) for the first time in their history.

They have competed under the name of SK Tirana between 1927 and 1947, when the communist regime forcibly renamed the club 17 Nëntori Tirana, Puna Tirana and KS 17 Nëntori. In 1991 KF Tirana retook its pre-1947 name and was divided into two branches, the multi disciplinary SK Tirana and the football branch of KF Tirana.

KF Tirana is 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.They reached for times the Round of 16 in European Competitions, alone in the European Cup three times in the 1980's. 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. In addition, KF Tirana is an ECA member.[3]

History

1911: The first tournament

Tirana appeared for the first time in 1911 in the first ever championship held in Albania. The city was represented with what is believed to be the predecessor of KF Tirana. The team dominated the tournament, defeating Elbasani and Kavaja to make their way to the final, in which they won 6–1 against Peqini, making them Albania's first ever champions. The tournament is still not officially recognised by the Albanian Football Association.[4]

1920–1937: Beginnings of Klubi i Futbollit Tirana

The first picture of the KF Tirana squad.

Tirana was officially founded on 15 August 1920 by patriot and football enthusiast Palokë Nika, who had previously former Vllaznia Shkodër. The first name of the club was Sportklub Tirona which was later changed into Futboll Klub Tirona. The team played their first official match in October at Shallvare against Juventus Shkodër.[5]

Tirana played their first international match against Yugoslav team Crnogorac Cetinje from Montenegro in 1925. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, the club's name changed into Sportklub Tirana, which would be commonly referred to as SK Tirana.[6] On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica.[7]

in 1930, Tirana took part in the first officially recognised football competition held in Albania, organized by newly founded Albanian Football Association. The team dominated the tournament, reaching the final after winning five matches, drawing four and losing just one, to finish joint top, along with Skënderbeu Korçë, albeit with a slightly better goal difference.[8] Tirana faced in the championship final Skënderbeu Korçë, who refused to play as a sign of protest against the bias of the competition and the Albanian Football Association towards Tirana. The club was named champion after the games were awarded 2–0.[8]

The following season, the club introduced new players such as goalkeeper Vasfi Samimi, Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja. The championship format changed as it divided the teams into two groups. Tirana was placed in Group A and managed to finish 1st after collecting five points from three matches. In the final against Group B winners Teuta Durrës, the team drew 1–1 in the first leg at home but managed a 3–0 win in the second one to retain the championship title.

Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football even in the next season, despite the fact that the championship format was changed once again. In a group where every club would play each other twice and the winner would be decided by who finished top of the league, Tirana had it easy as they finished the championship unbeaten, winning five matches and drawing three, winning the title for the third consecutive year, which further cemented their place in history as the first club to dominate football in Albania. The club lost the title for the first time in history in 1933, finishing in a disappointing third place out of six, behind Bashkimi Shkodran and the winners Skënderbeu Korçë. It turned out to be a transition period as team bounced back firmly in the 1934 Championship, finishing five points ahead of runners-up Skënderbeu Korçë in a seven team format.

In the next years, Tirana managed to win the 1936 and 1937 championship, guided by ethnic-Albanian forward Riza Lushta who was named top goalscorer in both years.[9] This was the last pre-World War II competition held by the Albanian Football Association as there was no championship held in 1938 and World War II broke out in 1939.

1939–1947: War years

In 1939, Albania was under Italian invasion; Giovanni Giro, a loyal trustee of Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, was in charge of organising the first football competition under Victor Emmanuel III, which was called Turneja Kombëtare E Footbollit Për Ndeshjet E Trofeut Të Liktorit (National Tour of Football for the Matches of the Lictor Trophy). Tirana participated in the tournament, eliminating 9–0 on aggregate Dragoj Pogradeci in the first round to reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final, the team played Skënderbeu Korçë, beating them 3–0 to reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër. In the final played at the Shallvare field in the capital on 30 September 1939, Tirana won the trophy by winning 6–5.

A similar tournament was held in the next year by the fascist regime, this time in a group format where teams were divided into two groups based on geography location. Two of Tirana's most important players Kryeziu and Lushta left Albania for Italy to join Bari and Roma respectively. In the first match, Tirana drew 2–2 with Vllaznia Shkodër, and then won 3–0 at home against Elbasani. The rest of the campaign did not prove to be fruitful as Vllaznia finished top of the group ahead of Tirana and reached the championship finals, where they defeated Skënderbeu Korçë 11–1 on aggregate to win their first national championship, to this day unrecognized by the Albanian Federal Association.

The championship was not held in 1941 but returned in the following year, which also had three clubs from Kosovo. These clubs from Kosovo competed in the northern section along with the reigning champions Vllaznia Shkodër and Tirana competed in the new middle section group and the southern clubs competed in their own group. In a bizarre ruling, only players born between 1921 and 1925 were allowed to participate in the competition, meaning that only players between the ages of 17 and 22 were allowed to play. However, this rule was not followed by most clubs and senior players did participate in the competition. Tirana reached the semi-finals after winning 5–1 versus Elbasani and drawing 1–1 against Teuta Durrës. In the semi-final, the team faced Prizreni; the first leg ended in a 2–2 draw while the second one was won by Tirana 2–1. The team thus reached the final once again where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër on 29 June. The regular time ended in a 1–1 draw, leading the Italian referee Michele Carone then asked both sides to play extra time of two 15 minute halves, but Vllaznia declined. Two days after the final had been played the match was awarded 2–0 to Tirana along with the title.[10]

The club won two out of the three National Championships that were held during World War II, but in March 2013, Albanian Football Association made a decision by refusing to recognize them, stating that they were not legitimate, since they weren't organized by the AFA, but by the fascist regime.[11]

1944–1957: Postwar period

Myslym Alla, coached Tirana from 1956 to 1972.

Following the end of World War II, footballing activities resumed as they had done before the war under the guidance of the Albanian Football Association. In the championship of 1945, Tirana was placed in Group B. The team topped the group easily, collecting 16 points from 10 matches, thus reaching the final where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër once again. They lost both matches 2–1, thus missing the opportunity to win another championship.

Under communist regime led by dictator Enver Hoxha, Tiran would quickly become a victim as in early March 1946 the ruling communist Politburo had instructed the club to change its name to 17 Nëntori in honour of the Liberation of Tirana which took place on 17 November 1944. In the following decade, the club was subject to appalling treatment by the regime, and this was highlighted by the creation of a privilege system for the newly created communist backed teams Partizani Tirana and Dinamo Tirana.

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 1947–57, 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.

1958–1990: Decline and revival, communist decades

Arben Minga, also known as Beni i madh, was one of the best Albanian strikers during 1970s and 1980s.

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 Myslym Alla. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.

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 1966–67 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo.[12][13]

After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–70 season.[14]

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 of 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 1981–82 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–85, 1987–88 and 1988–89 and the Albanian Cup in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1985–86. The club was also successful in European club competitions, reaching there the round of 16 four times in the 1980s, and many of the team's players made up the core of the Albania national football team, such as Agustin Kola, Arben Minga, Shkëlqim Muça and Mirel Josa.[15][16][17]

1991–2006: Return to success

In August 1991, less then a year following the fall of communism in Albania, Tirana regained its old name, and 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. The team returned to the winning ways by winning the Albanian Cup in the 1993–94 season, defeating 1–0 on aggregate Teuta Durrës.[18] Shortly after, in January 1995, the team won also their first Albanian Supercup trophy, defeating 1–0 Teuta Durrës at Qemal Stafa Stadium. A couple of months later, they clinched their 15th championship by finishing 12 points ahead of the runner-up Teuta Durrës.[19]

This championship was followed by another one in the 1995–96 season, as Tirana won it just one point ahead of Teuta Durrës once again.[20] The team also clinched the cup in that season, completing the domestic double for the second time in history. Another domestic double followed in 1998–99 season. In the following years, Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football, winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.[21] The team also dominated in the domestic cups, adding to their trophy cabinet three Albanian Cups and five other Albanian Supercups.

2007–present: Refik Halili era

Elvis Sina, most-capped player in the history of Tirana with more than 500 appearances in all competitions.

Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club win the Albanian Superliga comfortably, the team begun to struggle for results. They begun the season by getting eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by NK Domžale. Despite winning the Albanian Supercup versus Besa Kavajë, Tirana managed only a 6th place finish their worst finish since 1993. In cup, the team lost the final to Vllaznia Shkodër.

In the following season, Tirana bounced back; inspired by striker Migen Memelli,[22] who went on to score 30 goals, Tirana managed to win the championship for the 24th time in history.[23] In cup they reached another final, only to be defeated again, this time by Flamurtari Vlorë.[24] In the next years, Tirana experiences mixed fortunes, being unable to win the championship but remaining on top in domestic cups, winning the Albanian Cup in 2010–11 and 2011–12, and three other Albanian Supercups in 2009, 2011 and 2012. There was also major controversies off the field between club's chief and president in the 2010–11 season, which led to a delay in paying the players' wages and even some players not receiving their wages.

On 12 October 2011, Municipality of Tirana city council voted through a unanimous decision to change the status of the club from a municipality owned to a shareholder own one, under the name KF Tirana Sh.A, with the municipality of Tirana initially holding a 100% stake in the club but with the possibility of any future private sponsors and donors to own stocks in the club.[25]

Starting from 2013, Tirana entered in a period of disappointments. In the 2013–14 season, the team was seriously in risk of getting relegated for the first time in history. By the end of December 2013 the team was ranked in the last position with only 10 points from 13 matches, 7 points away from the safe zone. However, with Gugash Magani as manager and a strong transfer market, the team bounced back and eventually finished in 6th position, escaping the relegation only in the penultimate match.[26] On 26 June 2014, the Tirana city council approved a proposal to give private donors a 66% stake in the club's assets for the next 18 years, which at the time fell in the hands of Refik Halili and Lulzim Morina, which enabled such donors to invest in players, facilities and youth teams.[27]

Selman Stërmasi Stadium was renovated between 2014 and 2015.

Tirana begun the 2014–15 season with high expectations, challenging for the title in the first part of the season.[28] In the second part, however, the team declined and ultimately finished in 5th position. In cup, Tirana was controversially eliminated from Laçi in the semi-final 1–0 on aggregate. Laçi eventually won the final against Kukësi,[29] leaving Tirana without Europa League football once again. The club was relegated during the 2016–17 season.[30] From title contender halfway through the season, Tirana fell continuously to dramatically succumb to relegation for the first time in their history. Ilir Daja was sacked on 1 November following a goalless draw against Vllaznia Shkodër,[31] and was replaced by the returned Mirel Josa.[32] The club also broke the relationship with the fans after allowing with their lifetime rivals Partizani Tirana to play at Selman Stërmasi Stadium; they opposed such an agreement and subsequently abandoned the matches for the entire season as a result.[33]

Tirana then endured a 15 winless match streak before winning 2–0 against Korabi Peshkopi.[34] Their relegation was officially confirmed on 27 May following a goalless draw versus fellow relegation strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër.[30] In cup, Tirana did much better, winning their 16th trophy on 31 May after defeating 3–1 Skënderbeu Korçë at Elbasan Arena.[35] This meant the return of Tirana in European competitions after five years.

Tirana retained most of their players ahead of the new season.[36] The club appointed former Brazil international Zé Maria as the new manager.[37] The team eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv[38] In September 2017, Tirana won another trophy, their 11th Albanian Supercup after winning 1–0 against Kukësi.[39] They also set a record by becoming the Albanian First Division side to win the Supercup.[39] In the league Tirana dominated with hammering results in either home or away matches.[40][41] Club's goal of a quick promotion in Superliga was reached with three spare rounds to play.[42] Tirana won their first ever Albanian First Division title on 16 May by winning 2–0 against the Group A winners Kastrioti Krujë.[43]

Grounds

Shallvare (1920–46)

The club's first home ground was the Shallvare, located in the centre of Tirana where today is the existing Shallvare block, acquired by the club prior to their formation in 1920. The also field served as an amusement centre for the youth of Tirana to enjoy, and it was a popular gathering place where various games were played during religious holidays. Before its use as a football ground the site was use by the Ottoman garrison as a playground, and in 1916 it served as a runway for the Austrian-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops. The club played their first game at the Shallvare in 1920 against a team made up of the occupying Austrian-Hungarians. In 1925 there were changing rooms built at the ground, and in the early 1930s there was an athletics track built around the football pitch. The administrator of the ground was the football referee, Besim Hamdiu (Qorri), who only had one assistant in the maintenance of the ground. The ground did not have a main stand or seating area for spectators, but rather a two storied building that was constructed in 1923 by a member of parliament Masar Këlliçi . The building stood 50 metres away from the football pitch and was located in line with the middle of the pitch, with its balcony facing the field and the Dajt mountains. The ground was also used for other sporting events as well as military parades, one of which the president and later king Ahmet Zogu attended in 1927. The ground was destroyed in 1951 and Soviet–style apartment blocks were built onto of it instead.[44][45]

Qemal Stafa Stadium (1946–2015)

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 seats. 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.[46]

Selman Stërmasi Stadium (1956–present)

Selman Stërmasi Stadium in its inaugural match.

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 (6,000 seated). In December 2014, another phase of reconstruction was started, involving a new pitch, central main covered stand, central fans stand including two extra rows extension, broken or missing seats replacements/repairs, interior facilities, general lineaments and a shopping centre just under central seated. The internal facilities include general repairs, a press conference room, journalists' corner and modern showers. The side fans stands will temporary be shut and covered by advertising boards. It is still unclear when will stadium scoreboard be fitted.[47]

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.[48]

Skënder Halili Complex

The club's training ground is called the Skënder Halili Complex and it is located off of Rruga e Kavajës, near the Birra Tirana factory. The training complex was posthumously named after Skënder Halili, who was one of the club's most notable associates, both during his playing career and after. The complex features a full sized natural grass football pitch, as well as a smaller astro turf fan along with dressing rooms used by senior team as well as some of the youth teams. In December 2014 work began on both the Skënder Halili Complex and the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in order to fully renovate these grounds to be used by the club, and at the training ground the training facilities were all improved which included the dressing rooms and even the single stand that holds a small number of spectators for those wishing to attend training sessions and even occasional friendlies that are played at the ground.[49]

Supporters

Tirana is considered to be one of the most supported football clubs in Albania, and its supporters also formed the first Ultras group in the country in 1986 called Ultras Tirona. The group was forced to operate illegally as the communist regime did not allow such organised groups to function. However, despite this, its supporters used games as an outlet to show their dissent against the regime in place and following the fall of communism in Albania they became more organised and attracted more supporters in the late 90s and early 2000s. During the mid 2000s, younger supporters began to emerge on the scene and felt that the older Ultras Tirona did not entirely represent them, which led to the younger supporters forming a new Ultras group called the Tirona Fanatics on 8 January 2006.[50][51][52][53] The group quickly rose in membership and became the most organised supporters group in Albania, following Tirana home and away, including European games. On 20 May 2015 the majority of the founding members of Tirona Fanatics decided to hand over the management of the group to younger supporters.[54] The group has partnerships with Kosovan group Plisat of FC Prishtina and Macedonian group Shvercerat of FK Shkupi.

Rivalries

The fans have three main rivals. Vllaznia Shkodër, the oldest derby in the country, with the matches between them called the All-time Albanian derby. The other rivalries are the Tirana derbies with Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, since 2010s, they have developed a fierce rivalry with Skënderbeu Korçë since the latter side's rise to prominence.

Players

Current squad

As of 19 June 2018[55]

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 Albania ALB Ilion Lika (vice-captain)
2 DF Albania ALB Marsel Ismailgeci
3 DF Albania ALB Klisman Cake
4 DF Albania ALB Gentian Muca
5 DF Albania ALB Marvin Turtulli
6 MF Uganda UGA Tony Mawejje
7 MF Albania ALB Bedri Greca
8 MF Ghana GHA Winful Cobbinah
9 FW Albania ALB Grent Halili
11 FW Uganda UGA Yunus Sentamu (4th captain)
13 MF Albania ALB Erando Karabeci (captain)
14 MF Albania ALB Asion Daja
15 DF Albania ALB Jurgen Çelhaka
No. Pos. Nation Player
16 MF Albania ALB Edon Hasani
17 DF Albania ALB Albi Doka
18 MF Albania ALB Dorian Kërçiku (3th captain)
19 DF Albania ALB Eni Imami
20 FW Albania ALB Ernest Muçi
21 DF Ghana GHA Vincent Atinga
23 DF North Macedonia MKD Sedat Berisha
28 DF Albania ALB Erion Hoxhallari
45 FW England ENG Michael Ngoo
77 FW North Macedonia MKD Dejan Blazhevski
81 GK Albania ALB Alessio Abibi
89 GK Albania ALB Shpëtim Moçka

KF Tirana B

Klubi i Futbollit Tirana B is an Albanian football club based in Tiranë. It was founded in 1932, but was dissolved before it was refounded again on 22 January 2013.[56]

Reserves and academy

The KF Tirana Reserves and Academy (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana Rezervat) are the reserve team of KF Tirana, They play in the North section of the Albanian U-19 Superliga and Albanian U-17 Superliga.

Retired numbers

12 – Since the start of 2014–15 season, Tirana retired the number 12 as a recognition towards the Tirona Fanatics, the club's biggest fanbase, considered the 12th man in the pitch.[57]

Honours

Tirana are the most successful and decorated club in Albania, having won a total of 52 trophies, including 24 league titles, a national record.[58] The club's first trophy was also the first Albanian National Championship, held in 1930, which was also the first official football competition in the country.[59] The club also holds the record for the most Albanian Cups (16) and Albanian Supercups (11). The club's most recent trophy was the 2017–18 Albanian First Division won on 16 May 2018.[60]

Type Competition Titles Seasons
Domestic Albanian Superliga 24 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1968, 1969–70, 1981–82, 1984–85, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2008–09
Albanian First Division 1 2017–18
Albanian Cup 16 1938–39, 1962–63, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2016–17
Albanian Supercup 11 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2017
Double 3 1939, 1995–96, 1998–99
  •   Record

Records

Domestic

  • Biggest ever home league victory: Tirana 11–0 Flamurtari Vlorë (5 July 1936)[61]
  • Biggest ever home league defeat: Tirana 0–6 Vllaznia Shkodër (1947)
  • Biggest ever away league victory: Elbasani 2–9 Tirana (12 June 1932)
  • Biggest ever away league defeat: Besa Kavajë 7–1 Tirana (1991)
  • Most league appearances: Albania Elvis Sina (419)
  • Most league goals: Albania 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), (2016–17)
  • Least ties in a season: 0 (1939, 1946)
  • Most losses in a season: 13 (1972–73, 1976–77, 1991–92), (2016–17)
  • 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: Tirana 5–0 Malta Sliema Wanderers (Sept 27, 1989)
  • Biggest ever European home defeat: Tirana 2–6 Croatia NK Croatia Zagreb (July 24, 1996)
  • Biggest ever European away victory: Belarus FC Gomel 0–2 Tirana (July 14, 2004)
  • Biggest ever European away defeat: Norway Aalesund 5–0 Tirana (July 26, 2012)
  • Most European appearances: Albania Elvis Sina (31)
  • Most European goals: Albania Indrit Fortuzi (10)

KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Since the Albanian Superliga began in 1930, KF Tirana have played 1925 Superliga matches, scored 3170 goals and conceded 1729. The club has collected so far 2841 points, won 994 games, drawn 501 and lost 430. The club's goal difference is +1441 and the winning difference is +564.[62]

Historical Goals Wins Draws Losses +/-Goals +/- Wins Points Matches
TOTAL 3170-1729 994 501 430 +1441 +564 2841 1925

Data correct up to the end of the 2016–17 season.

See also: KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Recent seasons

Season Division Pos. Pl. W D L GS GA P Cup Albanian Supercup Europe
2005–06 Superliga Runners-up 36 17 11 8 54 33 62 Winners Winners UCL 2QR
2006–07 Superliga Champions 33 22 6 5 64 33 72 1/4 Finals Winners UCup 2QR
2007–08 Superliga 6 33 14 7 12 46 36 49 Runners-up  – UCL 1QR
2008–09 Superliga Champions 33 19 11 3 58 27 68 Runners-up Winners
2009–10 Superliga 3 33 15 7 11 38 32 52 1/4 Finals  – UCL 2QR
2010–11 Superliga 5 33 11 11 11 42 31 44 Winners Winners UEL 2QR
2011–12 Superliga 3 26 16 5 5 33 21 53 Winners Winners UEL 2QR
2012–13 Superliga 5 26 12 7 7 30 23 43 1/8 Finals  – UEL 2QR
2013–14 Superliga 6 33 14 8 11 36 31 50 1/8 Finals  –
2014–15 Superliga 4 36 21 8 7 47 27 71 Semi-final  –
2015–16 Superliga 5 36 13 14 9 37 25 53 1/8 Finals  –
2016–17 Superliga 9 36 8 15 13 29 32 39 Winners  —
2017–18 1st Division 1 26 21 4 1 66 13 64 1/4 Finals Winners UEL 1QR
2018–19 Superliga 8 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

KF Tirana in Europe

KF Tirana (Sept. 1970)

In addition to being the best team in all domestic competitions, KF Tirana 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.[63] In their European path, Tirana have played against "big guns" such as: Ajax, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, etc. Drawn against reputable teams such as Dinamo București, Ferencváros, CSKA Sofia, Stabæk IF, Utrecht, Dinamo Zagreb, IFK Göteborg, Malmö FF, Standard Liège, etc. In several occasions, respectable European names such as: Dinamo București, Dinamo Tbilisi, 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 Ferencváros 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.[64]

European performance table

Season Competition Round Country Club Home Away
1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Scotland Kilmarnock F.C. 0–0 0–1
1966/67 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Norway Valerenga IF n.p n.p
1969/70 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Belgium Standard Liege 1–1 0–3
1970/71 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Netherlands AFC Ajax 2–2 0–2
1982/83 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Northern Ireland Linfield 1–0 1–2
2R Ukraine Dynamo Kyiv n.p n.p
1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1R Sweden Hammarby IF 2–1 0–3
1986/87 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1R Romania FC Dinamo Bucureşti 1–0 2–1
2R Sweden Malmö FF 0–3 0–0
1988/89 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Malta Ħamrun Spartans 2–0 1–2
2R Sweden IFK Göteborg 0–3 0–1
1989/90 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Malta Sliema Wanderers 5–0 0–1
2R Germany FC Bayern Munich 0–3 1–3
1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup QR Belarus FC Bobruisk 3–0 1–4
1R Denmark Brøndby IF 0–1 0–3
1995/96 UEFA Cup QR Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva FC 0–1 0–2
1996/97 UEFA Cup 1QR Croatia NK Croatia Zagreb 2–6 0–4
1998/99 UEFA Cup 1QR Slovakia FK Inter Bratislava 0–2 0–2
1999/00 UEFA Champions League 1QR Iceland Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja 1–2 0–1
2000/01 UEFA Champions League 1QR Moldova FC Zimbru Chisinau 2–3 2–3
2001/02 UEFA Cup QR Cyprus Apollon Limassol 3–2 1–3
2002/03 UEFA Cup QR Romania National Bucureşti 0–1 2–2
2003/04 UEFA Champions League 1Q Georgia (country) Dinamo Tbilisi 3–0 (4:2 p) 0–3
2QR Austria Grazer AK 1–5 1–2
2004/05 UEFA Champions League 1QR Belarus FC Gomel 0–1 2–0
2QR Hungary Ferencvárosi TC 2–3 1–0
2005/06 UEFA Champions League 1QR Slovenia ND Gorica 3–0 0–2
2QR Bulgaria PFC CSKA Sofia 0–2 0–2
2006/07 UEFA Cup 1QR Croatia NK Varteks 2–0 1–1
2QR Turkey Kayserispor 0–2 1–3
2007/08 UEFA Champions League 1QR Slovenia NK Domžale 1–2 0–1
2009/10 UEFA Champions League 2QR Norway Stabæk 1–1 0–4
2010/11 UEFA Europa League 1QR Hungary Zalaegerszegi TE 0–0 1–0 (aet)
2QR Netherlands FC Utrecht 1–1 0–4
2011/12 UEFA Europa League 2QR Slovakia FC Spartak Trnava 0–0 1–3
2012/13 UEFA Europa League 1QR Luxembourg CS Grevenmacher 2–0 0–0
2QR Norway Aalesund FK 1–1 0–5
2017/18 UEFA Europa League 1QR Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. 0–3 0–2

World & European Rankings

Records

[citation needed]

Erando Karabeci has played in Superliga and First Division 230 matches and scored 9 goals.Total number 289 matches with the shirt of Tirana,scoring 13 goals

Managers

Managerial record

Current staff

Position Name
Head Coach Brazil Italy Zé Maria
Assistant Manager Brazil Marco Aurelio
Athletic Trainer Brazil Rafael Costa
Goalkeeping Coach Nigeria Albania Emanuel Egbo
CEO Albania Greece Hektor Como
Sport director Albania Arbi Laci
Academy Director Albania Sulejman Mema
Team Manager Albania Mario Nikolli
Team doctor Albania Arzen Voci
Fiziotherapist Albania Tedi Maqellari
Photographer Albania Izmir Doda
Store man Albania Hajdar Karaj

Kit suppliers

Kit provider Period Shirt sponsor
United Kingdom Umbro 1988–91 Ariston
1993–97 Parmalat
Germany Adidas 1998–99 Kent
1999–00 Hawaii
Spain Joma 2000–01
2001–02 Volkswagen
Germany Jako 2002–04
Germany Puma 2004–06
Germany Adidas 2006–08
Germany Puma 2008–09
Italy Lotto 2009–10 none
Germany Adidas 2010–11
Italy Macron 2011–12
Italy Errea 2012–13 none
Italy Legea 2013–15
2015–16 Birra Tirana
Italy Macron 2016–19 none

KF Tirana Sponsorship

Sponsor Type Name
Main Sponsors Halili Constructions, Municipality of Tirana
Secondary Sponsors Birra Elbar, Alba-Trans, Spital Continental, Lajthiza Water, Tirana Dekor, Super Bast, Pepsi, Skela Syla
Official clothing provider Macron

Presidential history

Tirana have had numerous presidents over the course of their history, some of which have been the owners of the club, others have been administrators and honorary presidents such as Bamir Topi and Fatmir Frashëri. The president has historically taken sole charge of the club, except for the period between 2007 and 2008, when was the presidency was formally vacant and numerous donors managed the club. The club have had a total of 13 president and 15 presidencies since 1920, with only Bamir Topi and Refik Halili having held the position on two occasions. The longest serving president is Selman Stërmasi who took charge of the club for 24 years between 1936 and 1960, whilst the shortest presidency belongs to Fatmir Frashëri, who took charge for one year between 2004 and 2005. Here is a complete list of club president from when Bahri Toptani took over at the club in 1920, until the present day. [66][67]

 
Name Years
Albania Bahri Toptani 1920–1933
Albania Stefan Shundi 1933–1936
Albania Selman Stërmasi 1936–1960
Albania Lame Konomi 1960–1970
Albania Nuri Bylyku 1970–1983
Albania Çlirimi Hysi 1983–1985
Albania Zija Shaba 1985–1993
Albania Metush Seferi 1993–1998
 
Name Years
Albania Lutfi Nuri 1998–1999
Egypt Metwally El Sayed 1999–2004
Albania Fatmir Frashëri 2004–2005
Albania Bamir Topi 2005–2007
Vacant 2007–2008
Albania Refik Halili 2008–2011
Albania Bamir Topi 2011–2013
Albania Refik Halili 2013–

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
Eldorado Merkoçi 7 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005
5 Adem Karapici 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

References

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External links