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  • 21 Aug, 2019

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Fadil Vokrri Stadium
The Fadil Vokrri Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri), previously known as Pristina City Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi i qytetit të Prishtinës), is a multi-purpose stadium in Pristina, Kosovo, which is used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of FC Prishtina and the Kosovo national football team. The stadium has a capacity of 13,980.

Renovation

Renovation 2016-2018

The renovation of the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, located in Pristina, Kosovo, took place between 2016 and 2018. The stadium, which is the home ground for the Kosovo national football team and FC Prishtina, underwent significant upgrades to meet UEFA and FIFA standards, allowing it to host international matches.

Key Aspects of the Renovation:

1. Capacity Increase: The stadium's seating capacity was increased to accommodate approximately 13,980 spectators.

2. Infrastructure Improvements: The renovation included upgrading the stadium's infrastructure, such as improving the pitch, installing modern seating, and enhancing the overall safety and comfort for fans.

3. Facilities Upgrade: New facilities were added, including modern locker rooms, media areas, VIP sections, and hospitality suites. The lighting and sound systems were also upgraded to meet international standards.

4. UEFA and FIFA Certification: Post-renovation, the stadium was certified by UEFA and FIFA, making it eligible to host international matches. This was a significant milestone for Kosovo, especially following its acceptance into these organizations in 2016.

5. Naming: The stadium was renamed in honour of Fadil Vokrri, a legendary Kosovar footballer and former president of the Football Federation of Kosovo, following his passing in 2018. He was a key figure in promoting Kosovar football on the international stage.

The renovation was a major development for sports in Kosovo, enabling the country to host international football matches on home soil for the first time, marking a new era for Kosovar football.

The stadium after the 2016-2018 renovation

Renovation 2024

The renovation of Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina is set to commence in March 2024, focusing on extensive updates to the field. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS) and the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) have announced that the renovations will include laying a new hybrid turf, upgrading the drainage and irrigation systems, and installing a heating system to ensure the field meets UEFA standards.

This renovation is crucial as Fadil Vokrri Stadium is the only venue in Kosovo licensed by UEFA to host international matches. Due to the heavy usage and adverse weather conditions, the pitch has become unplayable, prompting UEFA to require that Kosovan teams play their home games abroad until the field is restored (https://telegrafi.com/mkrs-njofton-se-stadiumi-fadil-vokrri-te-shkoje-ne-rinovim-ne-muajin-mars/) (https://www.koha.net/en/local-football/414507/the-renovation-of-the-field-in-Fadil-Vokrri-starts%2C-the-opening-date-of-the-stadium-is-revealed).

The renovation work started in late March 2024 and is expected to be completed by early July, allowing the stadium to host matches in the next football season (https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2023/11/27/uefa-forces-kosovan-teams-play-outside-country-fadil-vokrii-pitch-declared-unplayable/) (https://www.koha.net/en/local-football/414507/the-renovation-of-the-field-in-Fadil-Vokrri-starts%2C-the-opening-date-of-the-stadium-is-revealed).

Conditions

As of 2024, Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo, is undergoing significant renovations, particularly focusing on upgrading the playing field. A new hybrid grass surface is being installed, making it the first of its kind in Kosovo. This renovation is a major improvement after the stadium was criticized for poor field conditions, leading to its temporary closure in late 2023. UEFA even prohibited certain matches from being held there due to the damaged field. The renovation, funded by Kosovo's Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports with a budget of €1.3 million, includes installing modern heating and irrigation systems, ensuring the stadium meets international standards. The upgrades are expected to be completed in time for the Kosovo national team's upcoming matches later in 2024

History

The stadium before the 2016-2018 renovation.

The stadium's construction began in 1951 and completed in 1953. It has been used by FC Prishtina since then. On 9 June 2018, the stadium was renamed from Pristina City Stadium to Fadil Vokrri Stadium, following the death of Fadil Vokrri on the same day, who was a football administrator, player and lastly president of Football Federation of Kosovo. The change was announced by Shpend Ahmeti, the Mayor of Pristina.

Notable events

International concerts

On 17 December 2007 the stadium was filled with 25,000 people for first time after the Kosovo War in a concert by American rapper 50 Cent. On 10 July 2010. The American rapper Snoop Dogg performed in the stadium. This was the second international concert that was held in Pristina after that the 50 Cent concert in 2007 and over 10,000 people attended the concert.

On 15 July 2012. The Albanian rapper Unikkatil held a concert which was the biggest Albanian concert ever held and 25,000 spectators attended the concert to see the “King” of Albanian rap.

International matches

On 7 September 2002, it hosted for first time after Kosovo War a friendly match of Kosovo against Albania and finished with a 0–1 win for Albania.

# Date Competition Opponent Score Att. Ref
1
 7 September 2002 (2002-09-07) Friendly  Albania 0–1 15,000
2
 17 February 2010 (2010-02-17) 2–3 10,000
3
 7 September 2014 (2014-09-07)  Oman 1–0 10,700
4
 10 October 2015 (2015-10-10)  Equatorial Guinea 2–0 6,700
5
 13 November 2015 (2015-11-13)  Albania 2–2 16,000
6
 10 September 2018 (2018-09-10) 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D3  Faroe Islands 2–0 12,667
7
 11 October 2018 (2018-10-11)  Malta 3–1 12,365
8
 20 November 2018 (2018-11-20)  Azerbaijan 4–0 13,000
9
 21 March 2019 (2019-03-21) Friendly  Denmark 2–2 13,000
10
 25 March 2019 (2019-03-25) UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying  Bulgaria 1–1 12,580
11
 7 September 2019 (2019-09-07) UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying  Czech Republic 2–1 12,678
12
 10 October 2019 (2019-10-10) Friendly  Gibraltar 1–0 12,000
13
 14 October 2019 (2019-10-14) UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying  Montenegro 2–0 12,494
14
 17 November 2019 (2019-11-17) UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying  England 0–4 12,326 —
15
 6 September 2020 (2020-09-06) 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C3  Greece 1–2 0 —
16
 11 October 2020 (2020-10-11)  Slovenia 0–1 0 —
17
 18 November 2020 (2020-11-18)  Moldova 1–0 0 —
18
 24 March 2021 (2021-03-24) Friendly  Lithuania 4–0 0
19
 28 March 2021 (2021-03-28) 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification  Sweden 0–3 0 Report (FIFA)
20
 1 June 2021 (2021-06-01) Friendly  San Marino 4–1 0
22
 5 September 2021 (2021-09-05) 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification 		 Greece 1–1 1,200 Report (FIFA)
23
 8 September 2021 (2021-09-08)  Spain 0–2 1,200 Report (FIFA)
24
 12 October 2021 (2021-10-12)  Georgia 1–2 3,550 Report (FIFA)
25
 10 November 2021 (2021-11-10) Friendly  Jordan 0–2 1,000
26
 24 March 2022 (2022-03-24)  Burkina Faso 5–0
27
 5 June 2022 (2022-06-05) 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C2  Greece 0–1 12,300
28
 9 June 2022 (2022-06-09)  Northern Ireland 3–2 11,700
29
 27 September 2022 (2022-09-27)  Cyprus 5–1 10,400
30
 16 November 2022 (2022-11-16) Friendly  Armenia 2–2 2,000
31
 19 November 2022 (2022-11-19)  Faroe Islands 1–1
32
 28 March 2023 (2023-03-28) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying  Andorra 1–1 12,600
33
 16 June 2023 (2023-06-16)  Romania 0–0 11,000
34
 9 September 2023 (2023-09-09)   Switzerland 2–2 12,700
35
 12 November 2023 (2023-11-12)  Israel 1–0 5,245
36
 21 November 2023 (2023-11-21)  Belarus 0–1 5,026
37
 6 September 2024 (2024-09-06) 2024–2025 UEFA Nations League C2  Romania 0–3 12,872
38
 15 October 2024 (2024-10-15)  Cyprus 3–0 12,863
39
 18 November 2024 (2024-11-18)  Lithuania 1–0 12,856

European matches

The stadium hosted the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League Preliminary Round Tournament.

The clubs involved were:

Inauguration

On 13 August 2018, after renovation was held a 2018 Kosovar Supercup between the winners of the 2017–18 Football Superleague of Kosovo, Drita and 2017–18 Kosovar Cup, Prishtina. Playing for the first time at the recently refurbished Fadil Vokrri Stadium.

Drita2–1Prishtina
Fidan Gërbeshi 64' (pen.)
Betim Haxhimusa 82'		 Report Gauthier Mankenda 34'
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Genc Nuza (Kosovo)
Drita
Prishtina
31 Albania Edvan Bakaj
5 Kosovo Ardian Limani
4 Kosovo Fidan Gërbeshi Yellow card 43'
13 Kosovo Liridon Leci Yellow card 67'
11 Kosovo Përparim Livoreka Yellow card 85'
7 Kosovo Endrit Krasniqi downward-facing red arrow 90+4'
25 Kosovo Bujar Shabani
27 Albania Eri Lamçja Yellow card 55' downward-facing red arrow 75'
10 Kosovo Xhevdet Shabani
93 Albania Haxhi Neziraj
22 Kosovo Betim Haxhimusa
Substitutions:
1 Kosovo Leutrim Rexhepi
99 Kosovo Dorant Ramadani
23 Kosovo Arbër Shala
8 Brazil Edenilson
14 Kosovo Fillonit Shaqiri upward-facing green arrow 75'
16 Kosovo Albin Krasniqi upward-facing green arrow 90+4'
74 Kosovo Zgjim Mustafa
Manager:
Kosovo Bekim Isufi
12 Kosovo Visar Bekaj
2 Kosovo Armend Thaqi
8 Kosovo Ahmet Haliti
3 Ghana Jamal Arago
13 Ghana Abdul Bashiru
21 Kosovo Argjend Mustafa
66 Kosovo Ergyn Ahmeti
15 Democratic Republic of the Congo Gauthier Mankenda
17 Kosovo Arbër Hoxha
19 North Macedonia Alen Jasharoski downward-facing red arrow 84'
9 Ghana Basit Abdul Khalid
Substitutions:
1 Kosovo Alban Muqiqi
88 Kosovo Përparim Osmani
16 Kosovo Donat Hasanaj
5 Kosovo Diar Miftaraj
7 Kosovo Lorik Boshnjaku upward-facing green arrow 84'
26 Kosovo Liridon Fetahaj
22 Kosovo Kastriot Selmani
Manager:
Albania Mirel Josa

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ^ The 2016–2018 (first) renovation cost €9.50 million, while the second (ongoing) renovation cost €1.3 million.

References

  1. ^ "Nënshkruhet memorandumi mes FFK-së dhe Ministrisë së Kulturës për rindërtimin e fushës së stadiumit "Fadil Vokrri"" [The memorandum is signed between the FFK and the Ministry of Culture for the reconstruction of the stadium field "Fadil Vokrri"] (in Albanian). RTV Dukagjini. 16 February 2024.
  2. ^ "Prishtina ndërron tapetin pas 50 vitesh" [Prishtina changes the carpet after 50 years]. GazetaOlle (in Albanian). 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2018. Stadiumi i qytetit ka filluar ndërtimin në vitin 1951, ndërsa nga viti 1953 është në shërbim të klubit
  3. ^ Shpend Ahmeti [@ShpendA] (9 June 2018). "Stadiumi i qytetit me nder do ta mbaj emrin e tij Fadil Vokrri" [The city stadium with honorably will keep his name Fadil Vokrri] (Tweet) (in Albanian) – via Twitter.
  4. ^ "Kryetari i Prishtinës, Shpend Ahmeti: Stadiumi i qytetit me nder do ta mbajë emrin e Fadil Vokrrit" [Mayor of Pristina, Shpend Ahmeti: The city stadium with honorably will keep his name Fadil Vokrri] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 9 June 2018. Kryetari i kryeqytetit të Kosovës, ai i Prishtinës, Shpend Ahmeti, ka konfirmuar se stadiumi i qytetit të Prishtinës do të mbajë emrin e ikonës së futbollit shqiptar të Kosovës, Fadil Vokrri
  5. ^ "50 cent" në Prishtinë" ["50 cent" in Pristina] (in Albanian). BBC Albanian service. 18 December 2007. Ylli botëror i muzikës rep "50 cent" shfaqi të hënën një koncert në Prishtinë në prani të rreth 25 mijë adhuruesve të tij, jo vetëm nga Kosova, por edhe nga vendet fqinje
  6. ^ "Rapper 50 Cent performs for 25,000 in Kosovo". CTV News. 18 December 2007. Thousands turned out in Kosovo's capital Monday to see rapper 50 Cent perform in the territory known more for its political woes than party tunes. 50 Cent arrived for a 10-hour visit that included a concert in a soccer stadium in the capital Pristina, promoting his latest album "Curtis" and launching Kosovo's second phone operator. Over 25,000 tickets had been snapped up for 50 Cent's performance
  7. ^ "Snoop Dogg performoi në Prishtinë" [Snoop Dogg performed in Pristina]. Malesia.org (in Albanian). 13 July 2010. Të shtunën në stadiumin e qytetit në Prishtinë, para mijëra adhuruesve u mbajt koncerti i reperit amerikan me famë botërore, Snoop Dogg
  8. ^ "Ekskluzive: Unikkatili, përsëri në stadium" [Exclusive: Unikkatil, again in the stadium] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 15 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Kosovo vs. Albania (0:1)". National Football Teams. 7 September 2002.
  10. ^ "Kosova 0:1 Albania". RSSSF. 7 September 2002.
  11. ^ "Kosovo vs. Albania (2:3)". National Football Teams. 17 February 2010.
  12. ^ "Miqesore/Kosove - Shqipëri 2-3" [Friendly/Kosovo - Albania 2-3]. AlbaniaSoccer (in Albanian). 17 February 2010.
  13. ^ "Kosovo (1–0) Oman". eu-football.info. 7 September 2014.
  14. ^ "Kosovo (2–0) Equatorial Guinea". eu-football.info. 10 October 2015.
  15. ^ "Kosovo (2–2) Albania". eu-football.info. 13 November 2015.
  16. ^ "Kosovo (2–0) Faroe Islands". eu-football.info. 10 September 2018.
  17. ^ "Kosovo (3–1) Malta". eu-football.info. 11 October 2018.
  18. ^ "Kosovo (4–0) Azerbaijan". eu-football.info. 20 November 2018.
  19. ^ "Kosovo (2–2) Denmark". eu-football.info. 21 March 2019.
  20. ^ "Kosovo v Bulgaria". eu-football.info. 25 March 2019.
  21. ^ "Kosovo v Czech Republic". eu-football.info. 7 September 2019.
  22. ^ "Kosovo v Gibraltar". eu-football.info. 10 October 2019.
  23. ^ "Kosovo v Montenegro". eu-football.info. 14 October 2019.
  24. ^ "Kosovo v Lithuania". eu-football.info. 24 March 2021.
  25. ^ "Kosovo (0-1) Greece". UEFA.com. 5 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Kosovo (3-2) Northern Ireland". UEFA.com. 9 June 2022.
  27. ^ "Kosovo (5-1) Cyprus". UEFA.com. 27 September 2022.
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