TIRANA, Feb 3 /ATA/ – Albania plans to build four new stadiums and has earmarked 6.2 million euros for hosting international sporting events, as part of a sharp increase in state budget funding for sport in 2026, Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Tuesday.
Public funds allocated to sport for 2026 will total 834.6 million leks, up more than 32% from 2025, Gonxhja told reporters at a press conference in Tirana. Of that amount, 367.5 million leks will be distributed as grants to around 30 Olympic and non-Olympic sports federations.
The fund allocation will support the organisation of international competitions, including the CUPRA FIP Tour Platinum Cup in padel, as well as institutional and organisational preparations for hosting the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2027, the minister said.
Gonxhja also outlined plans to begin procedures for the construction of four new stadiums: Selman Stermasi in Tirana, Niko Dovana in Durrës, Skënderbeu in Korçë and Flamurtari in Vlorë. He said the projects aim to modernise sports infrastructure, expand youth participation and enable Albania to host major national and international events.
In addition, he announced changes to legislation on donations and sponsorships, including the creation of a national electronic register and the introduction of a tax credit mechanism that would allow sponsorships to be deducted from corporate income tax liabilities by up to 30%.
Gonxhja also highlighted the expansion of youth and school-based sports programmes and partnerships with international academies, as part of broader efforts to promote sport and strengthen Albania’s international profile.
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