The Azerbaijan Futsal Federation (AFF) has clarified why the "Yasamal Baku" team was not admitted to the Premier League.
Idman.biz, citing the federation’s press service head Mahal Mammadov, reports that the team, which finished last in the previous season, wanted to participate again this year. However, the club had no financial support, which posed a risk, as the team might not have been able to complete the season. Considering this, their performance last season, and relevant regulations, the federation allowed the "Lankaran" team to participate instead.
Regarding other applications, Mammadov said: “The federation is always open to team applications and evaluates them immediately. For the new season, the teams we announced will participate. Among them, 'Lankaran' is a newcomer. We met with its management, reviewed their plans, and gave them the green light to join the championship. As in previous years, the federation will cover the costs of hall rentals and essential staff salaries for organizing the games. No membership fees or fees for signing foreign players will be charged.”
About debutant "Lankaran," he added: “We reviewed their plans. They want to do good work. Some preparation is needed to hold games in the regions and gain experience. This is possible in the future. The federation supports organizing games in the regions but prefers it to be done in a planned way rather than randomly.”
The official also noted that there would be no major changes in the next season: “The Premier League will again have four rounds, 20 matches in total. The team with the most points will be crowned champion. In the First League, there will be 10 teams (instead of 12), competing in a single round of 9 matches. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs. Playoff matches will consist of a single game. Winners will meet in the final, and losers will play for the bronze medal.”
The Premier League season will start on September 18. The championship will feature "Araz-Nakhchivan," "Neftchi IK," "Baku Fire," "Shusha MFK," U-19, and "Lankaran."
Idman.biz
