Elkhan Mammadov: We conferred with Azerbaijani MFA for friendly match with Kosovo - INTERVIEW

Baku. 17 January. REPORT.AZ/ Report News Agency presents an interview with the AFFA Secretary General Elkhan Mammadov: 

- Will you attend the UEFA Nations League draw ceremony on January 24?

- Yes, along with the head coach of national team Gurban Gurbanov we will attend the draw.

- With national teams of which countries it would be more reasonable to play in the same group?

- The team are divided into four Pots. According to the rating, Azerbaijan ranks the first in Group D. This factor increases our chances. Of course, in terms of rival’s strength, distance and other issues during draw one may wish to be along with certain team. The teams already take into account the distances between the countries. No one likes long trips. Because the schedule of Nations Cup is also tight and covers short period. The group with four teams will be defined within three months.

- May Nations League be one of the reasons for Georgia for refusal to play with Azerbaijan national team?

- Georgian national team is in the first pot along with Azerbaijan, Macedonia and Belarus. It means we cannot be in the same group with them. It is only possible to play with Georgia in the semifinal and final in 2019. Let’s live with hope. We are hopeful that it will happen. We might get in the same group with Moldova with which we’ll play test match in Antalya camp training on January 30. But this is a problem neither for them, nor for us. Because the purpose of test match is not to win, but to test footballers. Georgian Football Federation also positively responded to us. But later they told that as it is not an official friendly game, they could not collect footballers to the national team. Initially they were sure that clubs will permit footballers to go. That is why we have applied to the Turkish Football Federation for referee appointment and found stadium for a match. Even discussion about uniforms have been discussed. Perhaps they requested to postpone the match asthey had problem with clubs.

- The decision of Azerbaijan national team to play test match with Kosovo instead of Georgia caused discussions. What can you say about that?

- We have informed regarding this issue. Before taking such steps with have consulted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Because we understand everything. It is not our first step. When Kosovo Football Federation applied to FIFA and UEFA membership this issue was discussed in the level of AFFA leadership.

As a member of International Olympic Committee, delegation from Kosovo visited Azerbaijan during Baku 2015 1st European Games. Kosovo is already the member of FIFA and UEFA. We were in the same group with Kosovo in the qualification stage of European Under-21 Championship last year. At that time soon after that draw I have held discussions with MFA and we received positive response from them. Like AFFA, Kosovo Football Federation is a member of FIFA and UEFA. That’s why we have to respect these rules. For this reason, several months ago, an official match was held between national teams of Azerbaijan and Kosovo at Dalga Arena. Our national team also visited Kosovo. But now it is test game and will be held in the third country. We should not forget that. If this match took place in Azerbaijan or Kosovo we would think about that. We don’t see any problem at this point. I reiterate: We have consulted with MFA and received positive response.

- Will Turkish referees manage the matches to be held as part of camp training?

- Because of national teams, apart from TFF we have to get approval of FIFA. After approval TFF will appoint referees. It may either be the Turkish referees and others. Hopefully they will be justice representatives of Turkey.

- Will the result of this match considered in FIFA rating?

- This is a match recognized by FIFA. It should be allowed in rating. Because the result of the match will be sent to the FIFA.

- Are conspicuous decisions likely to be made during AFFA Executive Committee meeting on march? For instance, changing the limit on legionaries…

- The agenda of the meeting is not ready yet. The agenda is approved after holding discussions with of Executive Committee members. We prepare reports in accordance with agenda. Regarding the limit on legionaries, we did not receive any request about that.