Storm brewing: Armenian football braces for another scandal

Another scandal has occurred in Armenia immediately after the end of the football season.

The newly crowned champion Pyunik FC may hold a home match of the Champions League qualifying phase in Georgia rather than in Armenia, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

“I agree that this is unacceptable, but this may happen. We received a letter from the Armenian Football Federation in April. We were informed that if we become the champions of the country, then we may hold the home match of the Champions League qualifying phase either in Armavir or at the city stadium in Gyumri. This is ridiculous,” Pyunik FC owner Arthur Soghomonyan said.

He noted that last season, when the team had to play home matches of the UEFA Europa Conference League in Abovyan, 2,000-3,000 fans failed to watch these matches in the stands.

“Pyunik FC has numerous fans. It is simply unacceptable to hold Champions League matches at stadiums in Armavir or Gyumri, designed for 2,000-3,000 fans. There is a conflict between Pyunik and Armenian Football Federation, everyone knows about it. However, this illogical decision simply disgraces the country,” he said.

Soghomonyan added that no matches will be held at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan in July, this step is aimed against Pyunik FC.