Number of FIFA referees representing Azerbaijan in 2026 increased

The list of FIFA referees who will represent Azerbaijan in international matches in 2026 has been approved. This was reported by AFFA.

Compared to previous years, 1 person has been added to the list of head referees, 2 to the list of assistant referees, and 3 to the list of VAR referees who will represent our country in the international arena.

On the occasion of the inclusion of new FIFA referees in the list, AFFA Secretary General Jahangir Farajullayev met with the referees and congratulated them, expressed his belief that they will adequately represent our country in the international arena, and wished them success in their future careers.

The meeting was also attended by AFFA Secretary General's Advisor Frank de Bleeckere, Chairman of the Referees Committee Rahim Hasanov, and Head of the Referees Department Bahruz Teymurov. During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the development prospects of refereeing, increasing international appointments, and professional training of referees.

List of FIFA referees who will represent Azerbaijan in the international arena in 2026:

Referees

Men

Aliyar Aghayev

Elchin Masiyev

Kamal Umudlu

Tural Gurbanov (new)

Women

Farida Lutvaliyeva

Assistant Referees

Zeynal Zeynalov

Akif Amirali

Elshad Abdullayev

Parvin Talibov

Namig Huseynov

Vusal Mammadov

Jamil Guliyev (new)

Asiman Azizli (new)

Women

Gulnura Akbarzade

Sevda Nuriyeva

VAR Referees

Nijat Ismayilli (new)

Ingilab Mammadov (new)

Farid Hajiyev (new)

Futsal Referees

Hikmat Gafarli

Knyaz Amiraslanov

Ali Jabrayilov

Beach Soccer Referee

Nail Naghiyev