Armand Duka Explained

Armand Duka
Office:UEFA Vice President
President:Aleksander Čeferin
Term Start:26 September 2023
Office1:Chairman of the UEFA Media Committee
Term Start1:2023
Office2:Member of the UEFA Executive Committee
Term Start2:2019
Office3:Member and Deputy Chairman of the UEFA HatTrick Committee
Term Start3:2017
Office4:9th President of the
Office5:Albanian Football Association
Term Start4:1 March 2002
Birth Date:1962 10, df=y[1]
Birth Place:Shijak, Albania
Residence:Durrës, Albania
Alma Mater:University of Tirana
Occupation:Football executive, businessman
Awards:UEFA Order of Merit
National Honors for Contributions to Sports
Website:,

Armand Duka (born 7 October 1962) is a distinguished Albanian football executive and businessman, currently serving as President of the Albanian Football Association (FShF) since 2002. His tenure is credited with transforming Albanian football through strategic investments in youth academies, infrastructural modernization, and governance reforms. Duka's leadership has been instrumental in elevating Albania's presence on the global football stage, including historic achievements such as the national team's qualifications for UEFA Euro 2016[2] and UEFA Euro 2024.[3]

Under his leadership, Albania has seen the construction of several modern stadiums, including the "Air Albania" Stadium, which has significantly enhanced the country's football infrastructure.[4]

He is also a highly influential figure in European football, serving as Vice-President of UEFA since 2023,[5] Chairman of the UEFA Media Committee since 2023,[6] Member of the UEFA Executive Committee since 2019,[7] and Member and Deputy Chairman of the UEFA HatTrick Committee since 2017.[8]

Duka's journey in football administration began as the owner of his hometown club, Erzeni Shijak, where he cultivated his passion for the sport. His business acumen extends beyond football, as he has overseen diverse ventures under the Duka Group,[9] contributing to economic growth in Albania. Recognized for his visionary leadership, he has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious UEFA Order of Merit for his services to football.[10]

Education

Armand Duka graduated in Economy and Industry from the University of Tirana in 1986. His education laid a strong foundation in economic theories and industrial management, which has greatly influenced his leadership style and strategic approach to both his business enterprises and his role in football governance.[11] [12] [13]

Career

Duka has been president of the FShF since 2002.[14]

On 1 March 2014, Duka signed a new four-year contract to stay as president of the Football Association of Albania.[15]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UEFA.com . 2019-02-06 . Armand Duka Inside UEFA . 2023-08-30 . UEFA.com . en.
  2. Web site: UEFA Euro 2016: Albania qualifies for the first time . BBC Sport . 11 October 2015 . 13 November 2024.
  3. Web site: Albania's football fortress: Build it and success will come . UEFA.com . 13 November 2024.
  4. Web site: UEFA article on the "Air Albania" stadium: The undefeated fortress of the national team . pamfleti.net . 13 November 2024.
  5. Web site: Armand Duka appointed UEFA Vice-President . UEFA.com . 13 November 2024.
  6. Web site: UEFA Media Committee Overview . UEFA.com . 13 November 2024.
  7. Web site: UEFA Executive Committee Members . UEFA.com . 13 November 2024.
  8. Web site: UEFA HatTrick Committee . UEFA.com . 13 November 2024.
  9. Web site: About Duka Group . Duka Group . 13 November 2024.
  10. Web site: Official Profile of Armand Duka . FShF.org . 13 November 2024.
  11. Web site: Armand Duka . LinkedIn . 2024-11-13.
  12. Web site: President - CV . Albanian Football Association . 2024-11-13.
  13. Web site: Armand Duka Profile . UEFA . 2024-11-13.
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20111006103851/http://www.alsat.tv/eng/ALSAT_Lajme/Sport/Armand_Duka_for_the_third_time_head_of_the_Albanian_Football_Federation/ Armand Duka for the third time head of the Albanian Football Federation
  15. http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2065735.html Fourth term for Duka in Albania