02.07.23 15:30
Azerbaijan's principled position of categorical rejection of any manifestation of separatism leads to the fact that not only the "Artsakh", but also the Sukhumi separatists began to experience serious problems with their international PR, in particular in the sports sphere.
The qualifying match for the World Cup by Conifa (separatist "soccer federation", unrecognized by FIFA "states") between the teams of the separatist Abkhazia and "Artsakh" has been canceled. The qualifying game to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2024 was to be held July 10, 2023 in occupied Georgian Sukhumi. But Azerbaijani border guards simply would not let the separatist "footballers" through the checkpoint on the Lachin road. Humanitarian cargoes go through the Lachin checkpoint without any problems, but Azerbaijan does not intend to let "soccer teams" through for the separatists to advertise separatism with their soccer matches.
"President" of Conifa European Alberto Ricchio has already reacted to the cancellation of the separatist match: "We are very sorry about this situation, but we understand the problem. We are in contact with the Abkhazian federation to determine a new possible date of the game. All European soccer associations (meaning separatist soccer association - ed.) have until October 31 to take part in the qualifying matches".
The so-called separatist "ConFifa World Cup 2024" among teams of unrecognized "states" is planned in Iraqi Kurdistan - the exact date of the tournament is still unknown. It is possible that the separatist tournament will be canceled altogether. Anyway, Turkey is against such events and the Iraqi Kurdistan authorities are gradually inclining towards cooperation with Turkey, recognizing the inviolability of internationally recognized borders instead of the former aggressive separatism.
Taking into consideration the situation of so called "Artsakh" separatists, who are living their last days under the patronage of Russian peacekeepers, the separatist matches in Khankendi and "Artsakh" will most probably not be held any more. Separatists will no longer play soccer in other separatist-infested territories.
The cancellation of the Artsakh-Abkhazia separatist soccer match is deeply symbolic. Let us remind you that the so called "Artsakh Football Federation" was established in 2012. This federation is headed by Samvel Karapetyan. Its first "friendly" game the team "Artsakh" held on September 25, 2012 in Sukhumi. The return game was held on October 21, 2012 on the field of so-called "republican stadium" in the then occupied Khankendi.
Giorgi Kvinitadze
Read: 262
Write comment
(In their comments, readers should avoid expressing religious, racial and national discrimination, not use offensive and derogatory expressions, as well as appeals that are contrary to the law)
News feed
-
SOCAR plans to expand its business in Bulgaria
18:0009.05.24
-
Strategy Agmashenebeli leader: We must stand together and support each other; ensure our victory
17:3009.05.24
-
Georgian FM: Georgia's future lies within EU, it has no alternative
17:0009.05.24
-
MP Akubardia: Neither UNM nor GD to be able to continue governing Georgia with single-party rule
16:2009.05.24
-
Shalva Papuashvili: I believe that Georgia will soon join the union formed by the unity of values
15:4409.05.24
-
Georgian PM congratulates WWII veterans on victory anniversary, pays tribute to victims
15:0009.05.24
-
Anna Fotyga: It is the best time to sanction Ivanishvili
14:1709.05.24
-
13:4009.05.24
-
Vakhtang Gomelauri: I don't like violence against anyone, either against oppositionists or citizens
13:0009.05.24
-
12:3009.05.24
-
Pawel Herczynski: Stay on the EU path! And rest assured we are by your side on this journey
12:0009.05.24
-
11:1909.05.24
-
Russian occupation forces illegally detain Georgian citizen, SSSG says
10:4609.05.24
-
79 years pass since victory over fascism in Second World War
10:0009.05.24
-
Georgian Defense Minister meets Romanian colleague
18:0808.05.24
-
Strategy Aghmashenebeli doubts so-called moral police, lists yield results
17:0808.05.24
-
EU Integration Committee Chair meets German State Secretary
16:3708.05.24
-
16:0008.05.24
-
EU ambassadors green light 30 million euro in non-lethal aid for Georgia
15:1508.05.24
-
14:3408.05.24
-
Wine Enthusiast: Saperavi - A Noble, World-Class Grape Variety
13:4008.05.24
-
12:3208.05.24
-
Shalva Papuashvili: the mistake of 2019 was repeated again
11:2408.05.24
-
10:1008.05.24
-
21:4507.05.24
-
18:0007.05.24
-
17:3707.05.24
-
17:0007.05.24
-
Aslan Bzhania dismisses Inal Ardzinba from the post of so-called minister of foreign affairs
16:3007.05.24
-
MEPs to Josep Borrell: Georgia’s candidate status should be suspended
15:4707.05.24
-
15:0007.05.24
-
14:1007.05.24
-
Rescuers found second missing in Enguri River, Svaneti
13:3307.05.24
-
12:5607.05.24
-
12:0007.05.24
-
11:1807.05.24