Three Kosovo footballers have been sent home from international duty after reportedly partying at a nightclub until 2 a.m. following Kosovo’s 3-0 loss to Romania on Friday.
The Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) swiftly took disciplinary action against the players.
The FFK confirmed the dismissal of goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, along with Edon Zhegrova and Florent Muslija, stating that the decision was made jointly by team coach Franco Foda and the association’s leadership.
The FFK’s statement read: “Coach Franco Foda and the association have decided to exclude Arijanet Muric, Edon Zhegrova, and Florent Muslija for violating national team rules established by the coach and the association.”
The federation also indicated that further measures against the players could be considered.
In response to the controversy, the players seemed unrepentant. Zhegrova labeled the reports as “fake news” on Instagram, while Muric claimed their nightclub visit was solely for food, not for partying.
He added, “The decision against us was unfair, and the circulating rumors are completely untrue.”