The Tirana municipal police searched the offices of the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) a few days after prosecutors launched an investigation into FSHF chief Armand Duka for abuse of office.
Two inspectors conducted the search earlier on Thursday, requiring documentation on construction licenses for football fields.
On Monday, prosecutors launched an investigation into the FSHF, just as the organization gears up to elect a new chairman in March. The investigation concerns a €1.3 million fund provided by UEFA for KF Tirana, one of the capital’s football clubs.
In December, the Albanian police had filed a report with the Tirana prosecution’s office on suspicions of abuse within the institution.
This week, tensions have been high between FSHF and Tirana Mayor Erjon Veliaj. FSHF claims Veliaj wants to interfere in its elections, as Veliaj has accused Duka of corruption and vote rigging.
Armand Duka has led the top football institution for 20 years and plans to run for a sixth term. His presidency has been marred by allegations of abuse of office, corruption and lack of transparency but no investigation has taken place so far.
