REVOLUTIONARY DECISION

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) in 2025 was marked by important decisions. Jahangir Farajullayev was appointed as the Association's new secretary general. The meeting also saw the adoption of the Association's development strategy for 2025-2028, which is focused on innovation.

The bigger the better

The executive committee decided to increase the number of clubs in the Premier League to 12. Secondly, the limit on foreign players in the national championship, which had been in place for 15 years, has been lifted. This means that from the 2025/2026 season, teams will be permitted to include up to 17 foreign players in their squads, with 11 of these players able to feature on the field at any one time. Clubs that recruit more than 12 players from abroad will be required to pay a fee of ₼100,000. The removal of the foreign player limit is intended to encourage competition among domestic players, with some potentially moving abroad to seek opportunities. The impact of this decision on the development of domestic football remains to be seen. For many years, Azerbaijani footballers have been reluctant to seek opportunities abroad, preferring to remain in the country and pursue higher salaries. However, this approach has hindered their professional growth and development. The current state of children's football in the country is well documented. The significant losses suffered by Azerbaijan's national teams in younger age groups at international competitions indicate that the future of domestic football is uncertain.

The recent decision to eliminate the limit on foreign players is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the quality of Azerbaijani football and promoting its development. According to the strategy developed by the Belgian company, Azerbaijani football is poised for positive growth in the coming years, owing to the implemented measures.

Arguments and challenges

The new strategy of the AFFA leadership has been prompted by deficiencies in the football sector. However, the question is: if there is a shortage of local players in the country, why remove the limit on foreigners? Who will compete with players from abroad?

AFFA officials have cited the success of certain countries in national team and club competitions, as well as the development of their players following the removal of foreign player restrictions. However, the fundamental difference is that the football foundations in these countries are well-established, and the potential of local players allows them to compete with foreigners. It is regrettable that such examples are rare in our country. Another challenge is the tendency of clubs to recruit foreign players who lack a high level of professionalism and often have self-taught backgrounds. It is evident that in recent years, numerous foreign players have arrived in Azerbaijan with the primary objective of generating revenue rather than achieving tangible results. Consequently, certain clubs are now allocating substantial financial resources to the acquisition of foreign players to adhere to their sponsorship obligations. This trend has affected numerous clubs, including Baku, Khazar-Lankaran, Inter, Karvan, Neftchi, and many others. For instance, in January, Sumgayit and Shamakhi transfers were made, and six months later, the club has parted ways with a foreign player it had recruited at a significant cost. This suggests that the decision may have been misguided, resulting in a waste of resources. It is reasonable to conclude that when the executive committee lifted the limit, they considered various factors to mitigate potential issues. Consequently, as the number of foreign players increases, so does the associated responsibility. This should encourage clubs to recruit players of a higher rank. Secondly, clubs that play local players will be paid bonuses. The funds received from foreigners' fees will be accumulated, a decision that can only be viewed favourably. The restriction on foreigners was already cancelled in 2008 with the arrival of the new leadership in AFFA and the establishment of a professional football league in the country, meaning this is the second time such a decision has been taken. Its cancellation in Azerbaijan, as in any other country in the world, favours the functioning of wealthier clubs.

A review of the national team's history reveals that periods of success coincided with the removal of this restriction, as evidenced by enhanced performance in FIFA rankings and improved results in qualification rounds. While our achievements may not match those of Georgia, Albania, or Uzbekistan, which supplied players to European and other countries that advanced to the championship's final stages, this decision is a positive step for the development of Azerbaijani football. The period under the leadership of Berti Vogts and Robert Prosinečka is often regarded as the most successful. While the achievements of these two professionals are noteworthy, it is also important to recognise the contributions of the generation of footballers who played during that time. The current limit on the number of players from abroad is particularly problematic in terms of nationality. Most teams are now able to field 11 players who are not related to Azerbaijani football. Currently, there are only seven foreigners, with four players required to be local. The majority of clubs have four or more players who are nationalised or have changed nationality. Instead of developing local talent, clubs seeking to attract Azerbaijani players from other countries can bypass this limit by assembling a squad of players from southern Russia who bear a name and surname similar to local players. This approach may potentially enhance the quality of the team.

Sabuhi Safiyarli, the director of Gabala club from the first league, who has worked in the football industry for many years, commented on the AFFA's decision: "During the period when the limit was in place, some players received compensation that was not commensurate with their performance. Currently, to secure a consistent playing opportunity, it is necessary to demonstrate superior performance compared to foreign players in the same position. This may potentially result in an enhancement in the calibre of local players. It should be noted that this observation is not universally applicable, as the capabilities and potential of individual players are well-documented. Consequently, Azerbaijani players will be required to extend their efforts. It is a misconception to think that the cancellation of the limit on foreigners will hinder the development of local footballers. A good player will still play and find a place, and the cancellation of the limit will also affect the earnings of domestic players, who will become more demanding. Premier League clubs did not rent out local players because of the restrictions, as domestic players could be needed at any moment. Some were introduced into the game, while others were kept in reserve. The new measures will address this issue by enabling the players to be loaned out to other clubs. Additionally, the expansion of the Premier League to 12 teams will provide more opportunities for local players, with those not meeting the standards of the top division potentially finding their way into the new teams. This change is expected to raise the calibre of the lower divisions."

The impact of these new measures will become evident in the coming years. Azerbaijani football, which for many years exhibited limited potential and stagnation, may now be on the cusp of a renaissance. The implementation of strategic decisions in the correct direction could lead to the revitalisation of national football.