AZERBAIJANIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Following Azerbaijan's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, the national football association (AFFA) was founded in 1992.

Financial, technical and organisational assistance from UEFA has aided football's rapid development, and Azerbaijan now has two professional leagues, as well as amateur, youth and futsal leagues. The Shafa stadium has been built to international standards in the capital Baku, and the country is fully integrated into the international football community. 

On the pitch, the national side has yet to qualify for a major tournament, but has been improving over the last decade. The most prominent success to date was a 2-1 home victory over Serbia and Montenegro in the Euro 2004 qualifiers. Legendary Brazilian Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of the winning 1970 Mexico World Cup side, was installed as Head Coach in February.

Founded

 24.03.1992

Pro players

 400

Amt players

 3,000

Yth players

 8,000

FIFA  ranking

 119 (July 04)

Coach

 Carlos Alberto


Carlos Alberto Torres

Star Player

Gurban Gurbanov, was voted Azerbaijan's "Player of the Year" at the end of 2003 and it was his international form that won him the accolade. Azerbaijan's all-time leading scorer netted with a penalty in their last match in Riga.

Insider's view

Carlos Alberto Torres (Azerbaijan Head Coach) on appointment: "Sometimes money is secondary in one's life, while human relations and a will to work for the good of the game is primary."

The Colour
AZERBAIJAN

Area

 86,000 km2

Population

 8,000,000

Capital

 Baku

Language

 Azeri, Russian
Famous people - Tofik Bakhramov (linesman who awarded Geoff Hurst's goal in 1966), Garry Kasparov (Chess Grandmaster), Mtislav Rostropovich (Cellist),


Azerbaijanian Trivia

Category  Stat
Cinema attendance in 1999 19.79 trips per 1000 people
Televisions  21.7 per 1000 people
No. of Azerbaijanian Everest ascents 0