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Fuad Musayev: We should beat Armenia squad in Baku

13 April 2007 14:36 (UTC +04:00)

Former AFFA president Fuad Musayev interviewed by APA-Sport

- What do you know about the meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian associations in Nyon, Switzerland?
- First of all, AFFA leadership should have raised the issue on neutral field in UEFA commission without discussion in UEFA Executive Committee. I say it to my previous experience. UEFA commission had made a decision for our squad to play home encounters in Trabzon in 1994 European championship qualifying. I mean the issue was not discussed by Executive Committee. Besides, it is not so much easy to play in neutral field. No country would take the responsibility to host such principal encounters. Ukrainian Football Federation president Grigori Surkis stated that they is ready to organize Azerbaijan â€“ Armenia matches. But it should be the state leadership to ensure security. I mean Ukrainian president Victor Yushchenko is to make such a decision.
- So, you mean, we should meet Armenia squad in Baku.
- Of course. We should play against Armenians in Baku and beat them here. Visit match comes next. We will play in Yerevan if necessary. The main point is we should beat them and show their place. Personally I wouldnâ€™t negotiate with them because there is nothing to talk about with them.
- UEFA ignored the document on Armeniaâ€™s aggression that was presented by AFFA...
- This document should have been presented before the qualifying stage began. It is too late now. Besides, they shouldnâ€™t mix football with politics. If there is no emergency situation in the country, and the team meets all other squads, it should also meet Armenian. Many people died in Turkey â€“ South Cyprus war. The communists slaughtered people during Pinochetâ€™s period in Chilli. Did they cancel the match? No. They played in an empty stadium. Turkey meets Greece, Iran meets the USA squad and there is no seriuos incident. Thatâ€™s why there is no need to carry out â€œgypsy talksâ€. AFFA told the UEFA that the country is at war with Armenia. But not only we have war. Many countries have such conflicts. But they do play football in their territory?
- Armenian Football Federation president Ruben Ayrapetian insists on playing home match in Yerevan. Otherwise, the federation will appeal to the Arbitration Court...
- It is his business. I can not say he will lose or win the case. But Armenian government ensures security for the match in Yerevan. In this case, UEFA cannot make a decision on neutral field. Azerbaijan may play in neutral field if it doesnâ€™t ensure security in Baku.
- UEFA vice-president Shenes Erzik stated he supports the decision suiting both Azerbaijan and Armenia. What, you think, prevents him from stating concrete position?
- Such statement was expected from Erzik. He has always been careful in such cases. I invited him to Baku many times when a conflict occurred around AFFA. He came here after he was sure I would leave the post. They considered him hero, awarded him with honorary title of doctor. As if he solved the problem. He has always used policy and kept aside. I think it is normal that he doesnâ€™t make concrete statement.
- What decision do you expect UEFA Executive Committee to pass in April-18 meeting?
- I donâ€™t believe the Committee will pass a decision to hold matches in neutral field. I think the Committee will decide the matches to take place whether in Baku and Yerevan or neutral field and Yerevan. Unlike Azerbaijan, Armenia ensures security.
- What measures should be taken for the decision to favour Azerbaijan?
- We should speak to the Executive Committee members. Michel Platini carried out talks with Executive Committee and UEFA members personally before being elected a president of the organization. Portugal Football Federation president Jilberto Parka Madail visited Baku and met with me in order to get the right of 2004 European championship organization. AFFA leadership should also carry out negotiations with the Committee members. But they should have power.
- Do you think AFFA leadership-in-office have power in UEFA Executive Committee?
- I cannot say anything about it. But I know AFFA was in good relations with all FIFA and UEFA member association in our period. They always supported us. Spain, South Cyprus, England and Germany are powerful in the UEFA. Their support is very important. We can win if 7 members of 13 vote for us.
- What kind of punishment is expected if a party ignores UEFAâ€™s decision?
- The association violating the decision will be expelled from the FIFA. It is much worse than technical defeat. They may decide this defeat if the match i cancelled for various reasons as bad weather, missing flight. But if there is no real reason, the association is removed from FIFA membership. All eight teams in our group are trying very hard to score more points. I think AFFA will be removed from the FIFA if Azerbaijan squad refuses to play in Yerevan. Anyway, UEFA decision should be followed.
- What is the way out of the situation?
- The only variant is to meet the rival in Baku. I say is as professional no matter what they think. We should play, beat and defame Armenia in the world. This is the main principle of the sport. You will get technical defeat if you refuse to fight against Armenians in other kinds of sports. But here in football everything is different. Yerevan is our ancient land. We win the match. Is it so impossible to play in your ancient land? /APA-Sport/