THE PLAGUE OF FOOTBALL

Globally, football has been grappling with the pervasive issue of match-fixing in recent years. Even prestigious tournaments are not immune, with outcomes of certain matches being predetermined. Match-fixing involves financial inducements to players, referees, coaches, or others to influence the result of sporting events. Typically, bookmakers are implicated in these manipulations.

In Azerbaijan, the fight against match-fixing gains urgency annually. The nation's Criminal Code includes specific provisions for accountability and penalties upon detection of such activities, offering immunity to those who voluntarily report these acts.

The Azerbaijani football scene has seen an up-tick in match-fixing incidents, prompting UEFA to send a list of suspect matches to the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), calling for decisive action. The First League frequently faces allegations of prearranged match outcomes.

A Questionable Club

Iravan, a First League club since the previous summer, is mired in a scandalous season. Financial problems have plagued the club, with reports of embezzlement involving AFFA-allocated funds and the subsequent arrest of the club manager. Iravan has struggled to field a full team and is rumoured to have fixed some matches.

The club's numerous defeats have raised suspicions. For instance, on April 4, Iravan suffered a significant loss to Araz, the league's underdog. During the match, an Iravan defender's hesitation in clearing the ball from the penalty area led to an Araz striker scoring. Another notable defeat occurred on April 17, with Shamakhy besting Iravan 6:2.

Crime and Punishment

UEFA's anti-match-fixing envoy in Azerbaijan, Seymur Salimli, acknowledges the challenging situation. He has flagged other matches that warrant scrutiny, such as MOIK vs. Difai Aghsu, where bookmakers heavily wagered on a four-goal outcome. The match concluded with a 3:1 victory for MOIK, raising eyebrows. AFFA swiftly involved law enforcement following global betting patterns on this match.

Investigations confirmed several Iravan players' involvement in fixed matches. Two players, Ege Atlam and Fahmin Muradbeyli, received lifetime bans from football by the AFFA Control and Disciplinary Committee. Muradbeyli's participation is particularly disheartening, given his tenure with top-tier club Neftchi.

Coaches Rufat Hasanov and Yusif Rustamov of the youth club Azerbaijan Gartallari were also found guilty and banned for life from football activities.

Additionally, Iravan players Ramin Maharramov and Kamal Mirzayev faced two-year disqualifications (with one on probation) for failing to report known match-fixing. Vugar Rahimov (Baku Sporting) and Khatai Ramazanli (Lerik) received similar sanctions for comparable violations.

Elvin Khudadatov, vice-president of Gusar, was fined ₼1,200 and suspended for two years for his role in fixed matches.

Vigilance and Control

UEFA spokesperson Seymur Salimli emphasizes the vigilant monitoring of match-fixing: "Regrettably, we continue to receive indications of fixed matches. AFFA promptly relays such information to law enforcement for comprehensive investigation and, upon confirmation, enforces severe penalties.

Match-fixing predates the advent of bookmakers and will likely persist. Historically, teams might offer "rewards" to opponents for favourable outcomes, such as securing a championship or avoiding relegation. Occasionally, third parties would incentivize losses in specific matches. Nowadays, agreements to lose or concede additional goals are increasingly common.

Recent exposures of such compacts among championship contenders in nations like Türkiye, Romania, and Italy underscore the challenge. UEFA and FIFA employ stringent measures to combat these practices, but eradicating this blight is a formidable task. The battle against this malady promises to be arduous and protracted."