Elkhan Mammadov: If we not destroy this virus, the virus will destroy us

Baku. 7 March. REPORT.AZ/ "Last year was rich in football as it happened in 2016. First of all, Azerbaijan's U-23 national team pleased us greatly. Our team became the winner of IV Islamic Solidarity Games”.

Report informs, AFFA Secretary General Elkhan Mammadov said at today's XXV Reporting Conference. He said that the Champions League's Anthem is heard while speaking about 2017: "Qarabag’s success made us very happy. Azerbaijan's Aghdam club was the only one representing 8 team-championship in the group stage. Another important point is the decision to hold the final match of the Europa League at Baku Olympic Stadium (BOS). We won the tender. Great support of President Ilham Aliyev helped us Baku to be choosen for hosting the final match".

According to AFFA Secretary General, the number of participants in the children's leagues has increased by 4 percent: "AFFA Executive Committee has adopted a number of decisions last year. The Regions League with participation of 24 teams was founded".

Mammadov said that when talking about development, it is necessary to mention the negative things too: "As AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev stated, the fixed matches are a serious problem. Since last year, we are cooperating with law enforcement agencies and also conducting awareness-raising activities. This virus influenced football. If we not destroy this virus, the virus will destroy us”.