Idman.biz
According to several media outlets, Ukrainian coach Yuri Vernidub remains the main candidate for the head coach position of "Neftchi" after the resignation of Samir Abasov.
However, according to Idman.Biz, his appointment is currently impossible not due to football reasons, but due to legal and personal reasons.
According to Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Spivakovsky, several foreign clubs, including Bulgaria's "Ludogorets", have contacted the 59-year-old Vernidub. In addition, he states that there is also an Azerbaijani option, directly linking it to "Neftchi".
The specialist remains true to his principled position: not to leave Ukraine without official permission or until he turns 60. This date falls on January 22, 2026.
This position coincides with the restrictions in force in Ukraine during martial law. According to the legislation, men of conscription age cannot freely leave the country until the age of 60 and if they are registered for military service. Vernidub openly states that he has a military obligation.
In previous interviews with the Ukrainian media, he said that he "cannot leave the country anywhere because he has a military obligation" and that he is currently on creative leave, and is not conducting any negotiations regarding work abroad. He can only leave Ukraine with special permission or after reaching the age of 60.
An important point is that the topic of war is not a formal matter for Vernidub. In the first days of the war, he left his post as head coach of "Sheriff" and returned to Ukraine, first joining the territorial defense, then the Armed Forces, and served in the artillery unit. After that, he returned to coaching again, coached "Kryvbas" and led the team to win the bronze medals of the UPL.
Back in 2022, when his name was mentioned among the candidates for the head coach position of "Neftchi", the Ukrainian specialist said in an interview with the Azerbaijani press that he would remain on the front line until the war ended and that he was not ready to move to Baku while the fighting continued.
The situation has changed somewhat now: Vernidub has already returned to professional football and recently left Kryvbas. However, his military obligation status and the principle of not leaving Ukraine without official permission remain obstacles to his immediate appointment to Neftchi. Officially, the road to Baku for the 59-year-old specialist will open either if he obtains special permission, or on January 22, 2026, when he turns 60. At that time, he will leave the age category subject to strict restrictions during martial law.
Thus, even if "Neftchi" continues to consider Yuri Vernidub as a priority candidate, his possible appointment seems more realistic in the medium term. Exact dates will depend not only on the wishes of the parties, but also on the decisions of the Ukrainian authorities, as well as on whether the vacancy in Baku remains open until the moment when the coach is legally and conscientiously ready to leave Ukraine.
It should be reminded that after the resignation of Samir Abasov, Sanan Gurbanov is temporarily acting as the head coach of "Neftchi".
Teymur Tushiyev
