The XXVI Ordinary Conference of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan has been held at Hilton Hotel today. First, a video showing the elements of UEFA Europa League and demonstrating the skill of the ball jugglers in the sights of Baku was demonstrated.
AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev opened the Conference and welcomed the conference representatives, guests and mass media representatives:
“Dear participants of the Conference, dear FIFA and UEFA representatives, dear guests! I pleased to welcome each of you at the AFFA Ordinary Reporting Conference. During the reporting period, the projects aimed to develop football were continued. First, I would like to thank the President of the Republic Mr. Ilham Aliyev on behalf of the football community. The Decree signed by the President to ensure the proper conduct of the UEFA Europa League Final in Baku creates favorable conditions for the preparatory process. Speaking about successful results, we can note that Azerbaijan Under-19 team qualified to the UEFA European Championship elite round. Different projects were implemented within the preparation for the UEFA Europa League Final. FC Qarabag was able to rise to the UEFA Europa League Group stage next time. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan national team failed in the UEFA Nation’s League. As you know, there was a change in the position of head coach of Azerbaijan national team. We wish Nikola Jurcevic, who was recently appointed, every success. You will receive detailed information about all the issues I have mentioned, as well as other topics during the Conference.”
Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sport attended the conference and said in his speech: “First of all, I greet each of you at the AFFA Ordinary Conference and wish success! The great attention and care to sport and athletes in Azerbaijan, the development of all kinds of sport in our country have always been an integral part of the government policy. Azerbaijan Republic is known as a sport country in the international community as a result of the special careful approach to the sport field and the purposeful policy in this direction by the President of the Republic, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. It is not casual, there are held various international tournaments, the World and European championships in Baku and the other regions of the republic. Of course, football is not out of this process as one of the most popular kinds of sport. It is enough to note that the UEFA Europa League Final match will take place on May 29 at Baku Olympic Stadium. In 2020, this magnificent arena will host four matches of the UEFA European Championship. However, I would like to convey some important facts to your attention. Today, AFFA is doing a great job to increase the grassroots football. This process is important not only for the development of football, but also for the promotion of healthy lifestyle for all sections of the population. Regular leagues are organized for the children from different age groups and children, teenagers and youth get opportunity to play football around the year. One more important aspect of grassroots is that AFFA organize such events not only in the capital, but also tournaments and festivals are held in the regions, especially in the areas closest to the front line. The “Brave hearts” festivals held in Jojug Marjanli settlement of Jabrayil region that liberated from occupation and in Gayidish settlement of Fuzuli region is very important in this regard. AFFA has also constructed an artificial pitch for the residents in Jojug Marjanli. In general, great affairs are being done in our country to develop football infrastructure. I wish success to AFFA and the football community of our country at the end of my speech. I hope and I am sure that the final match of UEFA Europa League to be held on May 29 at Baku Olympic Stadium, will be successfully organized and take a special place in the sport history of our country. Thank you for your attention!”
Then the video on the reporting period was shown. AFFA General Secretary Elkhan Mammadov made a report. The world famous football star Portuguese Deco was invited to the center. Deco presented the trophy of the UEFA Europa League which final to be held at Baku Olympic Stadium on May 29.
Then, head of AFFA Finance and Accounting Department Khalid Javadov made a report and Ulvi Hasanov, independent auditor, followed Mr. Javadov.
AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev presented a special gift to Aqua Vita representative Fakhri Abbasov on the 10th anniversary of cooperation between AFFA and Aqua Vita.
The two social-oriented videos showing aggression in children's football and the consequences of inappropriate interventions by parents were demonstrated.
Bjorn Vassala, FIFA Representative, also made a speech during the conference.
The conference is completed after a demonstration of a video on “Baku 2019: Stars Final” Show Game held in front of Nizami Ganjavi National Azerbaijan Literature Museum in Baku on 3 March.
AFFA Executive Committee meeting was held after the Conference. Then there was the press conference with participation of AFFA General Secretary Elkhan Mammadov.
