Azerbaijani boycott gathers pace
Thursday, April 18, 2002
Article summary
There are only two teams left in the Azerbaijani first division after three more withdrew.
Article body
There are only two teams left in the Azerbaijani first division after FC Karabakh Agdam, FC Tefekkur University and FC Dinamo-Bakili today joined six other clubs in their boycott of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA).
Demand for resignation
FC Shafa and FC Shamkir are the only sides to have stayed in the Azeri first division. The nine clubs to have withdrawn from the top flight have issued a joint statement outlining their grievances. "The anti-football policies of AFFA, its biased attitude towards FC Shafa, fixed refereeing and other negative tendencies prompt us to suspend our participation in the domestic championship," it said.
Second conflict
This is not the first time there has been unrest in the Azerbaijani league. A similar thing happened in 1999 but the clubs and the national association reached an agreement under the threat of expulsion from UEFA and FIFA. "If [AFFA president] Fuad Musayev doesn't want Azerbaijan to be expelled he should resign," the statement continued.
Broken promises
The clubs also complained that Musayev has broken the promises he gave while resolving the previous conflict. In addition, the clubs say they have not received the six seats on the AFFA executive committee which they were promised and there is also concern that the AFFA presidential election, which was due to happen in March, has been postponed for an unspecified time.
AFFA ultimatum
AFFA's response was issued by Torgul Gajiev, the vice-president, who said: "We have issued a term until 20 April for all the clubs to rethink their decision. After that, we will take measures." When asked what these measures would comprise, Gajiev replied: "For example, all clubs that played in Europe will not receive their bonuses."
Alternative league?
Meanwhile, FC Neftchi spokesman Mazahir Suleyman-zade hinted that the nine clubs which have left the Yuksek Deste could create an alternative league in Azerbaijan. Neftchi are hopeful their idea will win backing from the other breakaway clubs.
