Azerbaijani referee Rauf Allahverdiyev has been banned from football for life. The reason cited for this decision was a major error he made during the Azerbaijan Cup semifinal match between Neftchi and Sabah on April 2.
According to Idman.biz, Allahverdiyev gave a sensational interview to Teleqraf, revealing the details behind the punishment and what he believes led to it:
Have you received any official notice of your ban?
Not yet. But the AFFA Referees Department called and informed me that I’ve been dismissed. Neither the committee head nor any official explained the reason. They just said it was a decision made by AFFA. I still don’t know who exactly made it.
There was a controversial episode involving Neftchi defender Yuri Matias and Sabah striker Joy-Lance Mickels...
Yes. I met with AFFA’s executive vice-president Sarkhan Hajiyev and general secretary Jahangir Farajullayev in May. They asked about the incident, and I explained it. Mistakes happen to all referees. I made a wrong call against Sabah, even though Neftchi lost that match. The general secretary told me, “We have no evidence, but we think you were biased.” Later, I was informed I was banned. That’s probably why.
Does the ban apply only to Premier League games?
No, it’s a complete ban. I can’t referee at all. I tried to meet the general secretary after the decision, but he refused. If all referees were banned over one mistake, there would be none left in Azerbaijan.
What happened in that controversial episode?
I reviewed 5–6 angles. I didn’t see a full foot stamp. After the match resumed, we shouldn’t have gone back to the incident, FIFA doesn’t allow that. I admitted my mistake, explained it to my colleagues. Everyone can make mistakes.
Are you a salaried AFFA employee?
Yes. But I was told I won’t receive my last month’s salary. The decision was made on July 1, but I only learned about it on July 14.
Others were involved in the match, assistants and head referee Aliyar Agayev. Were they punished?
No. Only I was banned. Five out of six officials from that match are still being assigned to games. How is that fair?
What about Kamran Bayramov, the VAR official?
No punishment for him either. The general secretary asked why my assistants didn’t help. I said they did, but I stuck with my decision.
Did Aliyar Agayev influence your decision?
Not at all. It was my call. I didn’t see the full contact and made a wrong decision.
Could this be a politically motivated or “ordered” decision?
Definitely. Everyone sees this was driven by Sabah. I made similar mistakes in other matches without punishment. It only became an issue against Sabah.
Do you believe Sabah has influence over AFFA?
Yes, especially over the Referees Committee. Even its chairman Frank De Bleeckere seems powerless.
Were there complaints from Sabah’s president, Magsud Adigozalov?
No, I didn’t see him after the match. But I assume they filed a complaint.
Have you ever been suspended before?
No. I’ve always been rated well. This one mistake was used to end my career.
You mostly served as VAR, not head referee. Why?
Yes, I only refereed four games as head. My VAR performance was strong, and they even considered sending me to FIFA. Then this happened.
You’re saying Sabah pressured AFFA into this decision?
There’s no other explanation. If referees were banned over mistakes, there would be no one left to officiate.
What are your next steps?
I’m waiting for an official notice. Once I get it, I’ll hire a lawyer and likely file a complaint with FIFA. UEFA may not act, but FIFA encourages referee development, this kind of decision goes against that.
Do you feel your years of hard work were wasted?
I’ve been refereeing since I was 17, now I’m 32. I officiated Premier League games since 2020 and was VAR in the Azerbaijan Cup final. I’ve sacrificed a lot. I have two kids, who will support them now?
Final thoughts?
One club shouldn’t have so much control over AFFA, the media, and other teams. Power matters, but intelligence matters more. Sabah may have influence, but this decision shows a lack of wisdom. I’ll pursue legal action.
Idman.biz
