AFFA President talks about achievements of Azerbaijani football in 2010

President of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) talked about the successes of football in Azerbaijan and the work done in 2010 in an interview.  
 
How do you asses the outgoing year in Azerbaijani football?

It was remarkable for us. AFFA did important things in terms of development. The national team defeated Turkey in the Euro 2012 qualifier. After a long break, the youth team won in the official game. Futsal team finished fourth at the European Championships. "Karabakh" was close to reach the group stage of Europe League. The association has acquired new partners during the year.

What steps were taken to improve football infrastructure?
 
Infrastructure plays a special role in development of promising footballers. Without a good field it is impossible to train strong players. Therefore, we paid attention to construction of new stadiums and reconstruction of arenas. The construction of Dalga stadium complex with a capacity of 5,000 spectators was launched in Mardakan. A stadium with a capacity of 11,000 is being built in the 8-kilometer district of Baku. An arena with a capacity of 3,000 people is being renovated in Bail settlement of Baku. All three stadiums will be ready in 2011.

What work is carried out to improve football education?
 
Given the importance of education in football, we are seriously working on this issue. AFFA conducted UEFA courses which allowed coaches to obtain C, B and A licenses. In total, 211 specialists participated in them. AFFA appealed to UEFA to hold Pro category courses. The European football union has already given positive feedback. We are waiting for the answer. We also help coaches to take part in various UEFA seminars to improve their expertise.
 
Football needs to be popular in order to develop. What can you say about the work carried out in this respect?

AFFA began to conduct first-ever tournaments for U-13 and U-14. We have assumed the per diem costs for all teams. We also continue to hold competitions for U-15 and U-17. We have created the league U-15 to develop female football. This championship involves 16 teams. In 2010, we held a “Ball Festival” in Lankaran, Ganja and Sumgait.

What can you say about ties with international football organizations?

First and foremost, I would like to note that FIFA and UEFA praised our work aimed at development of football. FIFA President Joseph Blatter and UEFA Chief Michel Platini have repeatedly noted this. So, we have been entrusted to hold World Cup of Women Under-17 in 2012. The successful holding of the tournament will allow us to host higher level championships in the future.


/Azerisport.com/