FIFA considers funding football infrastructure in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories

Baku, The Gulf Observer: FIFA’s Director of Member Associations Europe, Elkhan Mammadov, disclosed in an interview with Anadolu Agency the potential provision of financial aid by FIFA for the advancement of football infrastructure within Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. This prospect, articulated by Mammadov, signifies FIFA’s contemplation of extending substantial support towards fostering football development in the regions recently regained by Azerbaijan.

He highlighted that this financial support would be part of the FIFA Forward Programme: “Wars inflict serious damage to infrastructure. Following the conclusion of conflicts, we are committed to supporting affected countries. A day will come when peace reigns on the earth. Football has the power to unite people globally, making the world more interconnected.”

Elkhan Mammadov emphasized that, since the initiation of the project in 2016, FIFA has invested $2.8 billion in its 211 member associations worldwide.

“Türkiye is a football-centric country, and FIFA attaches special importance to developing football here. We maintain close ties with the Turkish Football Federation. Football is played in every village and city across the country. To date, a total of $9.8 million has been allocated to Türkiye through the Forward Programme, and this support will continue into the next year,” he added.