Pyunik forge Mali link

Armenian champions FC Pyunik and African side FC Djuliba have established an historic agreement that paves the way for a long-term link between the clubs.

Financial support
Pyunyik already have two players from Mali on their books and they are hoping the two-year deal will see them land more of the country's talented footballers. In return, Djuliba will receive financial support from the Armenian side.

Stadium purchase
The deal is the second boost Pyunyik have received in a week after they became the first Armenian Premier League club to purchase their own ground with the acquisition of the Nairi Arena in Yerevan.

'Football is making progress'
Chairman Khoren Hovhannisyan, an instrumental figure in the development of the club, said of the deal: "There is nothing strange about us going to Africa because football is making progress there. Look at all the Africans playing at leading European clubs."

Friendly fixtures
Djuliba's Under-16 team will visit Armenia for a series of friendly matches in the near future as part of the deal, with the senior squad expected to follow their lead. "There will be no losers in these games," Hovhanissyan said.