Albania coach Kuže suffers stroke

Albania coach Josip Kuže is in hospital in Tirana after suffering a stroke. The 57-year-old Croatian is said to be in a stable but serious condition.

Kuže took charge of the Albanian national side in May last year and has guided his team to an impressive start in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group D. Albania are level with Belarus at the top of the section with four points from two matches ahead of their meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tirana on 8 October.

The Football Association of Albania president Armando Duka confirmed that Kuže would not take charge of that match, nor the meeting with Belarus four days later. "He will not coach Albania for the next two matches," Duka said. "It is unclear for the moment who will lead the team. Kuže's health is our priority at the moment."