[ALBSA-Info] Zhega wants $$$$ for caps!

[Kreshnik Bejko]

Wednesday, March 21, 2001
Albania coach in cash-for-caps row
By Dom Raynor

Albania manager Medin Zhega has found himself at the centre of a 
cash-for-caps scandal only days before his sides vital World Cup qualifier 
against Germany.

Defender Clirim Bashi has claimed he has not been included in Zhega's squad 
because he refused to pay £3,500 to Zhega.

Bashi, who plays his club football for German second division side Alemania 
Aachen, said he was contacted by someone acting on behalf of Zhega and asked 
to forward the money.

Bashi said he was informed that he would not receive any further caps unless 
he gave in to the monetary demands.

Zhega vehemently denies the accusation and suggests Bashi's comments are all 
down to bitterness. 'These are the reactions of a frustrated player,' he 
said.

'He was never a regular and always on the fringes. Even the last time we 
played, against Greece, he only played a few minutes.

'Bashi has not spoken to me the last few months. He has not contacted the 
Albanian FA. Why not?'

The Albanian squad, who also play England on March 28, are currently 
training in Cologne ahead of their match in Leverkusen on Saturday - they 
are third in the UEFA Group Nine.

Bashi said a meeting has been arranged with Zhega and a government 
representative on Friday, but Zhega denied a meeting had been set up.

Albania captain Rudi Vata, the former Celtic defender, said he was bemused 
by the allegation.

'I have not heard anything about it,' he said. 'Our coach has so much money 
he doesn't need that.'

Zhege surprisingly also dropped Italy's Serie A Reggina forward Erion 
Bogdani from the 22-man squad saying that he planned to rely on 
locally-based players.

'I won't take Bogdani even though he plays in (Italy's) Serie A,' Zhega 
said.

Zhega called up SK Tirana forward Ingrid Fortuzi, who with 24 goals is the 
top scorer of the Albanian first division.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Foto Strakosha (Ionikos), Arian Beqaj (OFI Crete)

Defenders: Rudi Vata (Energie Cottbus), Geri Cipi (Ghent), Arian Xhumba (PAS 
Ioannina), Ervin Fakaj (Enosis Paralimni), Nevil Dede (SK Tirana)

Midfielders: Altin Lala (Hanover 96), Devi Muka (Varteks), Bledar Kola (AEK 
Athens), Fatmir Vata (Waldhof Mannheim), Arian Bellai (PAS Ioannina), Besnik 
Hasi (Anderlecht), Ervin Skela (Waldhof Mannheim), Edvin Murati (Lille), 
Klodian Duro (Vllaznia Shkoder), Artion Poci (Apolonia Fier)

Forwards: Altin Rraklli (SpVgg Unterhaching), Igli Tare (Brescia), Alban 
Bushi (Instanbulspor), Indrit Fortuzi (SK Tirana), Vioresin Sinani (Vllaznia 
Shkoder).


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