AFFA General Secretary Sarkhan Hajiyev, who watched the match between “Turan Tovuz” and “Sabail” (3:1) of the 20th round of the Premier League, gave an interview to journalists after the match.
Publika.az presents that interview:
– Do you have a special reason for coming to the “Turan Tovuz” – “Sabail” match?
– There is no special reason. We are coming to the game of “Turan Tovuz” for the second time this season. This match was one of the main games of the tour. We decided to visit Tovuz.
– “Turan Tovuz” is dissatisfied with the refereeing this season. Did you have a conversation with the club management about this before the game?
– There are always discussions about games. Refereeing was discussed after the match between “Turan Tovuz” and “Kepaz”. Of course, we also talk with the club management. After that match, we had a discussion with Ehtiram Guliyev. We talked today. Referee errors disappoint us. We must try to prevent such situations in the future. Relevant institutions are working in this direction.
– There is a lot of dissatisfaction with refereeing in general this season. Do you agree with yourself?
– Generally speaking, the VAR system is justified in many cases. However, in some cases, decisions are not made correctly. Of course, it disappoints us. We are working in this direction with the relevant committee so that the number of mistakes in the future will be small.
– The opening of the Ganja Football Academy was expected. However, the trip was postponed at the last moment. Where is this issue?
– As is known, the AFFA Executive Committee was expected to familiarize with the base. Also, a meeting of the Executive Committee was planned in Ganja. The trip was postponed due to known reasons. It is planned that the trip will take place in the first days of February. However, the exact date of the visit is currently unknown.
– Who are the candidates for the position of the new head coach of the national team? Are there local experts on that list?
– AFFA has not officially sent an offer to any specialist. Some coaches themselves announced that they talked to me. I would like to officially inform that neither a local nor a foreign expert was interviewed. There is a Working Group in this regard, the composition of which is known. Currently, no specific candidates have been announced in the Working Group. In general, there are discussions about the criteria on which the head coach will be selected.
– Was there a presentation to the Working Group?
– No, the specific name is not discussed.
– Is the composition of the Working Group on the agenda?
– Currently not available.
– Various groups are mentioned in connection with the games discussed. You also announced that an investigation is underway. The investigations were not made public. What was the result?
– I can confirm that I made a statement on this issue in December. I even confirm that there are certain open investigations. It’s just a matter of this season. Those investigations are not conducted by AFFA alone. It is carried out together with the relevant institutions. We are not disclosing it at this time as it is not appropriate for the purpose. It will be announced in the future.
– Are there Premier League clubs?
– No. Related to lower league clubs.
– When will AFFA presidential elections take place?
– The exact date of the conference will be determined at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. The meeting of the IC, which should be held in Ganja, will be held in the next few days. The date of the conference will be known at that meeting.
– Are there candidates?
– No, I have not.
– The posts of head coaches of national teams of lower age groups are vacant. Are there candidates for those posts?
– Due to the fact that the meeting of the Executive Committee was not held, the contract of the coaches of the same composition in certain age groups should be temporarily extended by two months by internal order. This issue will be reviewed at the next meeting.
– Recently, there have been rumors in the media that the number of clubs in the Premier League will increase next season.
– The increase is currently not a topic of discussion. The principles of sport will be preserved. The last place will leave the championship. This matter was under the authority of the Executive Committee.
– There are questions about the Legionnaire limit…
– At the moment, there is no concrete offer in this regard. However, this is an issue that should be discussed in the Clubs Committee first.
– Will there be an increase in the funds allocated to clubs in the next season?
– No.
– The change in the Tax Code, the increase of taxes from 5 to 20 percent has a very bad effect on the budget of clubs. Will there be any subsidy in this direction?
– Yes, the tax increase affects the clubs. However, this is not something within the competence of AFFA.
