Alfred Zijai, member of the Football Association of Albania (FShF) Executive Committee and president of the Futsal Organisation of Albania, has passed away at the age of 52.

Born in Vlora on 7 February 1961, Zijai was one of the most popular players with KS Flamurtari in the 1980s, spending his entire career with his home-town club. He was part of the team that reached the last 16 of the UEFA Cup in 1987/88 before they were eventually eliminated by FC Barcelona.

Zijai played for Flamurtari from 1979 until 1991, winning the Albanian Cup in 1985 and 1988 as well as the league title in 1991. After he retired from playing, he was best known as the founder of the futsal organisation in Albania, assuming the presidency from the onset.

"It is a very sad day. His loss is painful for his family and for us at the association. We have lost a leader and a dedicated worker for futsal. He will be missed," said FShF president Armand Duka.

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