AFFA denies claims that Azerbaijan backed Russia’s return to UEFA

Russian media recently reported that at a UEFA meeting in Albania, Azerbaijan allegedly supported the reinstatement of Russian national teams and clubs in international competitions.

According to Apasport, other countries reportedly backing Russia’s return included Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, and Hungary.

On the other hand, nations said to oppose the move included Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, as well as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland.

However, the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) clarified to Apasport that this information is false. The organisation noted that UEFA had not sent any inquiries on this matter to AFFA, and Azerbaijani representatives did not participate in the meeting in question.

AFFA emphasised that, as it does not have a representative on the UEFA Executive Committee, the association has no authority to intervene in decisions regarding the participation of national teams or clubs in UEFA competitions.

15:08

Azerbaijan has joined a group of countries calling for the full reinstatement of Russian teams in international football tournaments, Sport24 reported from a recent UEFA Executive Committee meeting.

Alongside Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, and Kazakhstan voiced support for lifting the current restrictions on Russia.

The discussion reflected differing positions across Europe. Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Finland, and Norway — indicated for the first time that they might support the return of Russia’s women’s and youth teams, possibly by the end of the year, depending on developments in Ukraine. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic signalled willingness to debate a phased return if UEFA approves.

Earlier today, several European countries firmly opposed Russia’s participation in international tournaments.

By Khagan Isayev