Associations of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) informs that Azerbaijan will host UEFA Under-17 Championship Finals from 5 to 21 May, 2016.
The Championship will be organized by UEFA and AFFA, and 31 matches of the tournament will be played at Baku Olympic Stadium, Bakcell Arena, Dalgha Arena and Tofig Ismayilov - Surakhani settlement stadium in Baku. The official draw ceremony of the Championship is planned to hold on April 8, 2016 in Baku.
European Championship among youth was organized in 1980 for the first time. The championship was held among U-16s prior to 2000 and among U-17s starting from 2001. In different years, football stars such as Luis Figo, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos and Gerard Pique made the first steps of their football careers in this Championship. Taking into account above-mentioned, it is supposed, future worldwide football stars may shine in the championship holding in Azerbaijan.
UEFA Under-17 Championship was held in Bulgaria in 2015 and France became the winner of the tournament.
It should be noted that the championship was held among 8 teams until 2015, and among 16 teams starting from 2015. Financial expenses such as, accommodating teams, referees, UEFA delegates and other officials at proper hotels in Baku, and their food cost will be paid by UEFA. For common organizational affairs, UEFA will allocate 1.000.000 euro to AFFA's Local Organizing Committee. Local Organizing Committee will give official information about the affairs regularly.
Considering the participation of Azerbaijan Under-17 team in UEFA Under-17 Championship Finals, AFFA appeals each of you to visit the stadiums for the games and supporting Azerbaijan.
We are strong together!
