Belgian FIFA referee Frank De Bleeckere has concluded his tenure at the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA).
Frank De Bleeckere, who was appointed Chairman of AFFA Referees Committee in July 2024, served as the Advisor to AFFA General Secretary on International Officiating and Referee Education at AFFA from November 2025.
During his tenure, Frank De Bleeckere contributed to the development of refereeing in Azerbaijan by strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the education and training of referees. The focus placed on the development of young referees during the Belgian specialist's time in the role soon yielded results. A prime example of this is the increase in the number of FIFA-listed referees from Azerbaijan to four, a first in the country's history. This achievement reflects both the growing prestige of Azerbaijani refereeing on the international stage and the successful outcome of Frank De Bleeckere’s work.
Frank De Bleeckere will continue his career in Serbia. He has been appointed Chairman of the Referees Commission at the Football Association of Serbia.
AFFA expresses its sincere gratitude to Frank De Bleeckere for his contribution to Azerbaijani football and wishes him success in his new role.
