The achievement of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia opens a new chapter in South Caucasus sports. According to reports, UEFA and FIFA plan to hold talks soon about lifting the ban on international matches between the two countries, Idman.biz reports.
If this decision is confirmed, national teams and clubs will be able to face each other in the same tournament and even in direct matches for the first time in years. Sports observers regard this not only as a sporting event but also as a historic turning point of great political and social significance.
It is especially predicted that the first official match between the Azerbaijani and Armenian national teams will attract significant attention in the region, with record viewership expected both in stadiums and on television screens.
What might the first Azerbaijan-Armenia football match look like?
The anticipated peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia could open new doors not only in politics but also in the world of sports. The most high-profile event stemming from these changes is likely to be the first official face-off between the football teams of the two countries in years.
Reactions from critics and fans
As news of the first match spreads, a wave of reactions is expected on social media. On one side, there will be those who say “sports should be separate from politics,” while on the other, some will argue “it’s still too soon.” Nonetheless, the interest and excitement generated by the match on both sides are undeniable.
UEFA’s stance and security issues
For UEFA, this encounter could be a major test. Security measures must be organized at the highest level. In recent history, matches between political rivals have often been held in neutral countries. It is quite likely that the first Azerbaijan-Armenia game will take place in Turkiye, Georgia, or Cyprus.
The "Neftchi" vs. "Ararat" match held at Yerevan’s Razdan Stadium ended with a 1-0 victory for the Armenian team.
Match atmosphere and symbolism
Even on neutral ground, half the stands could wave Azerbaijani flags and the other half Armenian flags. This would send a strong message of sports diplomacy. A photo of the two team captains shaking hands before kickoff would receive wide coverage in global media.
Sporting balance of power
Currently, according to FIFA rankings, the levels of the Azerbaijani and Armenian national teams are quite similar. The Azerbaijani team has been trying to switch to a younger, more modern style of play recently, while Armenia relies on its legionnaire players. This promises a tense game with an unpredictable outcome.
Potential result and impact
Regardless of who wins, the main victory will be the strengthening of peace and cooperation. Such a match would not just be a football game but also the first major bridge built between the two peoples in many years.
Sporting strength comparison
In recent years, the Azerbaijani team has performed relatively more steadily in UEFA Nations League and European Championship qualifiers. Armenia has drawn attention with some young players shining in European arenas.
Key players of the Azerbaijan national team:
Emin Mahmudov, Mahir Emreli, Toral Bayramov.
Key players of the Armenia national team:
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Lucas Zelarayan, Eduard Spertsyan.
Statistics show that both teams sometimes struggle to score goals, but the emotional atmosphere will bring a different motivation to this match.
Future scenarios
If the first match proceeds calmly and within fair play principles:
• Azerbaijani and Armenian clubs might be placed in the same European competition groups;
• Regional tournament ideas like a Caucasus Cup could be introduced;
• Football diplomacy could set an example for other sports.
Futbol expert Agaselim Mirjavadov, speaking to Oxu.Az, shared his memories and expressed a positive attitude toward holding matches between Azerbaijani and Armenian clubs, provided both sides guarantee security.
“I remember well every match played against Armenian clubs when I worked at ‘Neftchi’ and ‘Ganjlik.’ The players played calmly against each other, although the games were always intense, and the fans’ aggression was felt. After the initial stage of the signed peace agreement, it is possible for these teams to meet again. I would prefer the matches to be held on their home grounds rather than in neutral countries, provided both sides guarantee security. I am sure Azerbaijan can provide this guarantee, but how the other side will manage it is questionable,” Mirjavadov said.
Former head coach of “Sabail” club, Shahin Diniyev, also congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the first phase of the peace agreement and expressed his belief that the bilateral signing would be successful for both countries.
“We are a people worthy of this peace. The resolution of the years-long problem happened in a positive way. We must thank our martyrs and veterans who are the main reason behind the signing. We bow our heads before them. This was an unexpected and unimaginable event because there was an Armenian occupation on the land. Under the patronage of a major power, this signing will bring great progress and advancement to Azerbaijan’s future. They say sports and politics should not mix, but it is impossible without it. Inevitably, fans, players, and athletes in other sports have always harbored feelings of revenge. These feelings will disappear now that there is no war. When Azerbaijani and Armenian clubs faced each other before, there was a hidden sense of revenge. However, during the Soviet period, these feelings were suppressed. It takes time to remove such sentiments because we have martyrs and veterans. It will take a long time before Azerbaijani and Armenian athletes meet again. We are a victorious people, and we must show our strength in sports as well. Of course, borders must open, and countries must live in peace,” Diniyev said.
Diniyev also shared his opinion on the most appropriate venues for the matches between the two countries:
“We must support whatever decision the president makes as a nation. The main point is that we do not forget our history and past. We are a civilized, democratic people. If full security guarantees are given, the matches will be held on the home grounds of both countries. We are still at the initial stage. Holding the matches on neutral grounds would prolong the process. Whatever decision the president makes, we must support it,” he added.
Idman.biz
Azerbaijan and Armenia set to face off again: A historic return to the football field
