AFF confirm Ararat ban

The Armenian Football Federation (AFF) has upheld a one-year ban imposed on FC Ararat Yerevan for refusing to release five players for the international friendly against Israel earlier this month.

Appeal rejected
The executive committee rejected an appeal by Ararat, the country's most successful club, who sought to overturn an earlier decision by the AFF.

Original ban
The organisation had banned Ararat from participating in any of its league or cup competitions for a year after one player from the senior team and four from the Under-21 squad were prevented from travelling to Israel for the match on 12 February.

Safety concerns
Ararat president Grach Kaprielyan said at the time that safety concerns were his only motive. Israel have been barred by UEFA from hosting any club or national team matches for security reasons.