Football in Azerbaijan

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Football in Azerbaijan
Firtina face.jpg
Khazar Lankaran fans during a football game.
CountryAzerbaijan
Governing body Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
National team(s) Azerbaijan national football team
Azerbaijan women's national football team
International competitions

Football is the third most popular sport in Azerbaijan, after Combat Sports and Chess. Azeri football is organized by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, or AFFA, which runs the national, professional football league, the AFFA Supreme League, the men's national football team, the women's national team and various youth levels.

Contents

The national teams take part in all competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA at both senior and youth levels. Neftchi Baku used to be one of the leading teams in the former top league in the Soviet Union, sometimes playing in European club competitions. Their most famous player arguably was Anatoly Banishevski, who was also a member of the Soviet team, that reached the semi-finals in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Another Azerbaijani footballing legend is also part of football history: Tofiq Bahramov was the linesman who played a crucial role in the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final between England and West Germany. Their women's league has been more irregular, with only youth levels being run in several seasons.

History

Early period (before 1920s)

In the early twentieth century, football began to become popular in Azerbaijan, which was then part of the Russian Empire.

Within a short period of time many football teams were established in the capital Baku. In 1905, the first football teams were created in Azerbaijan. These teams mainly represented the major oil companies of Baku. Among these teams were the "Circle of Football Players of Surakhany", "Stela", "Friends of Sport", "Sportsman", "Congress", "Unitas", "Belaya", "Senturion", "Progress", etc. . Initially, the city championships were held by an agreement between the captains in the absence of cup competitions, in a spontaneous manner. [1]

In 1911, the first official championship was held in Baku and resulted in the victory of the "British Club" team. In 1912, Azerbaijani football players had their first "international match" [2] and they won in Tbilisi, Georgia against the local "Sokol" team with 4:2. During 1912-1913, matches between Azerbaijani and Georgian football teams were organized, first in Tbilisi and then in Baku. In 1914 the Football Union was founded in Azerbaijan. The Football Union undertook the organization of official city championships and other competitions. [1]

Soviet era (1920s–1991)

The oldest records of football teams in Soviet Azerbaijan goes back to 1926-1927, when Trans-Caucasian Championship was organized in Tbilisi. Three South Caucasian countries participated: Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. [3] The Azerbaijan national football team held its first friendly matches against Georgia and Armenia in 1927 for the Trans-Caucasian Championship in Georgia. [3] During the Soviet era the team did not play any international matches. [3]

In 1926 Tehran XI (selected players from Tehran Club, Toofan F.C. and Armenian Sports Club) traveled across the border to Baku, this was the first away football match for an Iranian team. In 1929 it was time for a return visit, and so a team from Baku was invited to play in Tehran in late November.

autumn 1926 Friendly Baku XI 2 – 0 Tehran XI Baku
autumn 1926 Friendly Baku Youth XI 4 – 3 Tehran XI Baku
autumn 1926 Friendly Taraqi Baku 3 – 1 Tehran XI Baku
Nov 1929 Friendly Tehran XI 0 – 4 Baku XI Tehran, Iran
Nov 1929 Friendly Tehran XI 1 – 4 Baku XI Tehran, Iran
Nov 1929 Friendly Tehran XI 0 – 11 Baku XI Tehran, Iran

The 1960s is considered the Golden Age for Azerbaijani football as it produced great players like Anatoliy Banishevskiy, Alakbar Mammadov and the football referee Tofik Bakhramov, most famous for being the linesman who helped to award a goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final between England and West Germany.

The main stadia in Azerbaijan were built during the Soviet era, most notably the largest and most important of which are the Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku, Ganja City Stadium in Ganja, Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumqayit, Lankaran City Stadium in Lankaran, among others. After independence, many of these stadia were renovated and modernized or are currently undergoing renovation and modernization.

Most football clubs were also founded during the Soviet era, the most prominent of which are, Neftchi Baku PFC, FC Baku, Kapaz PFC, Sumgayit PFC, FK Khazar Lankaran, FK Shamkir, among others.

Post-Independence (1992—present)

National teams

Azerbaijan national football team in October 2010. Aserbaidschanische Fussballnationalmannschaft 2010-10-08 (02).jpg
Azerbaijan national football team in October 2010.

The Azerbaijan national football team is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan. After the split of the Soviet Union, the team played its first international match against Georgia on September 17, 1992. [3] They have taken part in qualification for each major tournament since Euro 96, but so far has never qualified for the finals tournament of any World Cup or European Championships.

The Azerbaijan women's national football team played its first international match against Romania on November 18, 2006. Their competitive participation has been limited, with attempts to qualify for Euro 2009 and the 2011 FIFA World Cup, but then no matches until qualification for Euro 2022, though they did enter World Cup qualification for 2023 after that. So far they have never qualified for a major tournament finals.

An under-21 team, an under-19 team, an under-17 team, a women's under-19 team and a women's under-17 team also compete.

Gurban Gurbanov is Azerbaijan's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches with 66 caps and 14 goals. [4]

League system

LevelLeague(s) / Division(s)
Professional Leagues

1

Premyer Liqa
10 clubs
↓ 1 relegation spot

2

I Liqa
10 clubs
↑ 1 promotion spot
↓ 1 relegation spot + 1 relegation play-off spot

Semi-Professional League

3

II Liqa
14 clubs
↑ 1 promotion spot + 1 promotion play-off spot
↓ 1 relegation spot + 1 relegation play-off spot

Non-Professional Leagues
4 Region Liqası
TBD clubs participate from 4 zones
16 club promotion to the final stage
↑ 1 promotion spot + 1 promotion play-off spot

Capital and Northern Zone
↑ 4 promotion to the final stage

Southern Zone
↑ 4 promotion to the final stage

Center Zone
↑ 4 promotion to the final stage

North West and West Zone
↑ 4 promotion to the final stage

LevelLeague(s)
1

Azerbaijani Women's Football Championship
Irregular, currently defunct

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azerbaijan national football team</span> Association football team representing Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijan national football team is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan. It represents Azerbaijan in international football competitions. The majority of Azerbaijan's home matches are held at the national stadium, Baku Olympic Stadium, with friendly matches sometimes hosted at club stadiums.

The Gabala FC 2008–09 season was Gabala's third Azerbaijan Premier League season, and their third season under manager Ramiz Mammadov. They finished 10th in the Premier League, whilst being knocked out at the Semifinal stage of the 2008–09 Azerbaijan Cup by Inter Baku. Their kit was supplied by Erreà and their main sponsor was Hyundai.

The Gabala FC 2007–08 season was Gabala FC's second Azerbaijan Premier League season, and their second season under manager Ramiz Mammadov. They finished the season in 6th place, whilst they also took part in the 2007–08 Azerbaijan Cup, which they were knocked out of in the Semifinals by Khazar Lankaran.

The Qarabağ 2011–12 season was Qarabağ's 19th Azerbaijan Premier League season, and their fourth season under Gurban Gurbanov. They finished the season in 4th place, and were knocked out of the 2011–12 Azerbaijan Cup at the Semi-final stage by FK Baku. They also participated in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League, entering at the first qualifying round stage. They beat Banga Gargždai of Lithuania, before beating EB/Streymur of the Faroe Islands on away goals in the second qualifying round. They were knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round against Club Brugge of Belgium, losing 4-2 on aggregate. Their kits was manufactured by Kappa and was sponsored by Azersun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012–13 Neftchi Baku PFK season</span> Neftchi Baku 2012–13 football season

The Neftchi Baku 2012–13 season is Neftchi Baku's 21st Azerbaijan Premier League season, and their third season under manager Boyukagha Hajiyev. Neftchi participated in the Second and Third UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, defeating FC Zestafoni of Georgia in the Second round before losing to Ironi Kiryat Shmona of Israel in the Third round. This meant that they dropped down into the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League Play Off Round, where they defeated APOEL of Cyprus 4–2 on aggregate to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League for the first time. In the group stages they were drawn against FK Partizan of Serbia, Rubin Kazan of Russia and Internazionale of Italy. They also won the Azerbaijan Premier League for the 3rd time in a row, and completed a domestic double by defeating Khazar Lankaran on penalties in the Azerbaijan Cup final.

The Simurq PFC 2012–13 season was Simurq PFC's seventh Azerbaijan Premier League season, and it is their first full season under manager Giorgi Chikhradze. They finished the season in 4th place and were knocked out of the Azerbaijan Cup at the Quarterfinals stage by Neftchi Baku.

The AZAL 2010–11 season was AZAL's sixth Azerbaijan Premier League season. AZAL finished the season in 8th place and were knocked out of the 2010–11 Azerbaijan Cup by Inter Baku in the semi-finals. It was their first full season under the management of Nazim Suleymanov. The team's kit was supplied by Umbro and their sponsor was Silk Way.

The Olimpik-Shuvalan 2009–10 season was Olimpik-Shuvalan's fifth Azerbaijan Premier League season and their first season with Nazim Suleymanov as manager. They participated in the 2009–10 Azerbaijan Premier League as well as the 2009–10 Azerbaijan Cup, finishing the league in 7th place and being knocked out of the Cup at the Semifinal stage by Khazar Lankaran.

The Khazar Lankaran 2008–09 season is Khazar Lankaran's fourth Azerbaijan Premier League season. Khazar started the season under the management of Rasim Kara, however he was replaced by Igor Ponomaryov during the season. Khazar finished the season in 4th place and were knocked out of the Azerbaijan Cup at the quarterfinal stage by Baku.

The Baku 2013-14 season was Baku's sixteenth Azerbaijan Premier League season. They competed in the 2013–14 Azerbaijan Premier League, finishing 5th, and reached the Quarterfinals of the 2013–14 Azerbaijan Cup where they were defeated by Ravan Baku. It was Milinko Pantićs first season as manager, having replaced Božidar Bandović on 14 June after Bandović left his position at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The Simurq PFC 2011–12 season was Simurq PFC's sixth Azerbaijan Premier League season. They started the season under the management of Sergei Yuran, before his contract was mutually terminated on 5 March. Igor Getman was appointed as the club's caretaker manager from the 5th to 11 March, when Giorgi Chikhradze was then appointed as their permanent manager. They finished the season in 9th position and were knocked out of the Azerbaijan Cup at the first round stage by vs Neftchi Baku.

The Olimpik Baku 2007–08 season was Olimpik Baku's third Azerbaijan Premier League season and their second season with Asgar Abdullayev as manager. They participated in the 2007–08 Azerbaijan Premier League as well as the 2007–08 Azerbaijan Cup, finishing the league in 2nd, qualifying for a European competition for the first time, and reaching the quarterfinal stage of the cup, where they were eliminated by Khazar Lankaran.

The Olimpik Baku 2006–07 season was Olimpik Baku's second Azerbaijan Premier League season and their first season with Asgar Abdullayev as manager. They participated in the 2006–07 Azerbaijan Top League as well as the 2006–07 Azerbaijan Cup, finishing the league in 6th and reaching the Last 16 stage of the cup where they were eliminated by Turan Tovuz.

The Neftchi Baku 2006–07 season was Neftchi Baku's fifteenth Azerbaijan Premier League season. This was their first, and only, season with Gurban Gurbanov as their manager. They finished 2nd in the league behind Khazar Lankaran and were knocked out of the Azerbaijan Cup at the semifinal stage by MKT Araz.

The Neftchi Baku 2014–15 season was Neftchi Baku's 23rd Azerbaijan Premier League season. They started the season under manager Boyukagha Hajiyev, but he was replaced by Arif Asadov in September 2014. Neftchi finished 4th in the Azerbaijan Premier League, runners up in the 2014–15 Azerbaijan Cup, and reached the Play-off round of the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League.

The 2015–16 season was Gabala FK's 11th season, and their 10th in the Azerbaijan Premier League, the top-flight of Azerbaijani football. Domestically, Gabala finished 3rd in the Premier League for the third season in a row and reached the semifinals of the Azerbaijan Cup where they were defeated by Neftchi Baku. In Europe Gabala reached the group stages of the UEFA Europa League where they faced PAOK, Krasnodar and Borussia Dortmund before finishing bottom of the group.

The Qarabağ 2015–16 season is Qarabağ's 23rd Azerbaijan Premier League season, of which they are defending champions, and will be their eighth season under manager Gurban Gurbanov. They will participate in the League, the Azerbaijan Cup and the UEFA Champions League, entering at the Second qualifying round.

The 2015–16 Azerbaijan Premier League was the 24th season of Azerbaijan Premier League, the Azerbaijani professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1992. Qarabağ were the defending champions, having won the 2014–15 Azerbaijan season.

The Zira FK 2015–16 season is Zira's first Azerbaijan Premier League season, and second season in their history. It is their first season with Adil Shukurov as manager, during which they participate in the Azerbaijan Cup as well as the League.

The AZAL PFK 2015–16 season is AZAL's eleventh Azerbaijan Premier League season, and twelfth season in their history. It is their second full season with Tarlan Ahmadov as manager, during which they will participate in the Azerbaijan Cup as well as the League.

References

  1. 1 2 "Football". Azerbaijans.az. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  2. ↑ Actually at a regional level, as Azerbaijan and Georgia were part of the Russian Empire at the time.
  3. 1 2 3 4 World Football Elo Ratings: Azerbaijan
  4. ↑ "Milli komanda-20: Bütün bombardirlər". Apasport.az. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2012.(in Azerbaijani)
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