UEFA TO INVESTIGATE KARABAKH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOWING PROTEST OF AZERBAIJAN
`We draw your attention (addressing Armen Minasyan - author`s note) to a fax message from AFFA which informed us about an illegal football championship being held in the territory of the unrecognized Nagornyy Karabakh Republic in which an Armenian club from the town of Goris is also taking part. Prior to carrying out an investigation, we would like you to familiarize yourself with a copy of the aforesaid fax message from AFFA and give an official explanation of the issue on behalf of the Armenian football association,` [the letter said].
Azerbaijan produced an immediate response to the mentioned sporting event. Both AFFA and the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Tourism expressed their extreme indignation at the case. AFFA notified UEFA and FIFA about the case while the Sports Ministry informed the Foreign Ministry.
`In my letter to UEFA and FIFA, I said that in line with our charter, football championships in the territory of our country can be held only under the banner of AFFA and with its consent. The championship held by separatists in Nagornyy Karabakh is illegal. What is more, a team from another state, namely the team of the Armenian town of Goris, is taking part in the championship. I asked them to look into the situation and apply the necessary sanctions against the Armenian football association,` Asadov said.
To begin with, UEFA officials want to learn what is at the bottom of it, he said. When the situation is investigated, they will demand that the championship be prohibited, Asadov said.
Other news in this section
