Frank De Bleeckere, Chairman of the AFFA Referees Committee, gave an interview to the organization's press service, evaluating referee performances in the 2024/2025 Azerbaijan Premier League season.
- How would you assess the performance of referees in the 2024/2025 Misli Premier League season?
- I look back on the season with satisfaction and optimism. Our referees have shown clear progress from the start to the end of the campaign. They demonstrated strong character on the field, treating players and coaches with fairness and respect. I don’t support issuing soft yellow cards just for minor coach reactions—only for clear dissent or gestures. Our referees adhered to this principle throughout the season.
- Mistakes are inevitable in football. What steps are being taken to minimize them?
- Indeed, not every decision is black or white—many fall in the grey area. We've made some errors that could have been avoided, but overall, both referees and the VAR team performed well across 180 league matches. Consistency builds trust. Football isn't an exact science, which is why we need the support of everyone who loves the game. The rules can always be explained.
- What were your main expectations from the referees?
We set a high threshold for interventions—we didn’t want cheap penalties, and VAR wasn’t to step in for minor contacts. We followed UEFA guidelines, and our referees respected these instructions throughout the season. I want VAR decisions to be logical and easy to understand. That’s why referees must take responsibility on the pitch—something UEFA and FIFA also emphasize. We’ve worked hard on this every week. Believe me, the Premier League is no easy competition for our referees; staying focused is essential.
- Were you satisfied with the overall progress of the referees?
- Absolutely. I saw clear development in every referee. We held weekly technical sessions—on Mondays or Tuesdays—to review individual performances and discuss key match situations in a serious, professional manner. This approach boosts their skills and confidence. I believe in this group; they’re eager to learn every day. With this mindset, we can look to the future with confidence.
- One of our referees was promoted to Category I this season. What does that signify for the future?
- It’s a major milestone. For the first time in Azerbaijani football history, we have two referees in UEFA’s Category I—Aliyar Aghayev and Elchin Masiyev. Masiyev was promoted last December and has been appointed to officiate in the final stage of the UEFA U-21 European Championship this June in Slovakia—UEFA’s second most important tournament. Alongside his assistants Elshad Abdullayev and Parvin Talibov, he’ll showcase their capabilities. Meanwhile, our third FIFA referee, Kamal Umudlu, is officiating at the ongoing UEFA U-17 European Championship in Albania, including the Albania vs. Germany group stage match—another strong signal from UEFA. Our most experienced referee, Aliyar Aghayev, was appointed to two Champions League matches this season and will officiate in a World Cup qualifier in June.
- Do you see potential for increasing the number of FIFA-accredited referees in Azerbaijan?
- Azerbaijan is gaining recognition internationally. I’m committed to increasing our number of FIFA referees to at least four. Promising young referees, like Tural Gurbanov, are part of UEFA’s CORE program, where they receive mentoring and gain valuable experience. Assistant referee Asiman Azizli is also in this program.
- What initiatives has the AFFA Referees Committee launched to support international appointments for our referees?
- Björn Kuipers, a member of the UEFA Referees Committee, visited Azerbaijan in February. He conducted a seminar and gave a lecture on international refereeing, also sharing insights with the media. Building such connections is crucial. We are aligning ourselves with UEFA’s international standards, which is essential if we want to collaborate with top footballing nations. We're on the right track.
- Where should our referees focus their attention most?
- Consistency is key. Coaches want consistent decisions, but since every match situation is different, this remains a challenge. We can certainly improve in this area. Also, referees need to feel the game better at times—something clubs and coaches also expect. I fully understand that. Just as coaches prepare their teams daily, we work every day to develop our referees. That’s why they deserve support.
- Will young referees be assigned Premier League matches next season?
Yes. Referees in the Elite Category will receive appointments for the 2025/2026 Premier League season. We plan to include several young officials in this group.
- The Azerbaijan Cup final on May 31 will conclude the 2024/2025 season. What are your expectations?
- It’s an important match. The referees will prepare thoroughly the day before and approach the final professionally. As I always say: if a referee goes unnoticed, it means they’ve done their job well. I wish our team the same success for the Cup final. Afterward, they’ll have a well-earned break and start preparing for the new season in August. We’re ready.
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