Idman.biz
Today marks the 101st anniversary of Tofiq Bahramov, the most famous figure in Azerbaijani football history.
Idman.Biz reports that the Azerbaijani referee, known worldwide, was born on January 29, 1925, in Aghdam.
Bahramov started his football career at the age of 15, playing for Spartak's youth team. Later, he moved to Neftyannik, now known as Neftchi. However, the future referee's football career was short-lived. A serious leg injury ended his dreams.
Unable to separate from football even after this injury, Bahramov decided to stay in his favorite sport. He decided to continue his career as a referee.
The Azerbaijani justice representative started receiving appointments for USSR championship matches as early as 26 years old - in 1951. 14 years later, our compatriot received the title of international referee.
Two years later, Bahramov became known all over the world. He was invited to the 1966 World Cup in England. Our compatriot was also appointed as a linesman for the decisive match of the World Cup. He was one of the justice representatives in the legendary match between England and Germany at Wembley. Bahramov is remembered as a shareholder in registering Geoffrey Hurst's controversial, but later confirmed, goal. Until this match, only head referees were awarded the "Golden Whistle", but for his historic decision at Wembley, Bahramov was also awarded this award as an exception. Thus, he entered the history of world football as the only linesman to receive the "Golden Whistle". After that match, the Queen of Great Britain presented him with the "Golden Whistle" and a small model of the "Golden Goddess".
Our compatriot was the head referee in one match and the linesman in three matches at the 1966 World Cup. Four years later, he was appointed to three matches at the World Cup in Mexico. The referee was also among the referees of EURO-1968 and EURO-1972.
He also went down in history as the first USSR referee to be appointed to the final of the European Cups. He maintained justice in the 1972 UEFA Cup match between Wolverhampton and Tottenham. Bahramov also managed the Intercontinental Cup match between Ajax and Independiente in 1972. He was a linesman in the Estudiantes-Manchester United match of this competition.
Bahramov's services to Azerbaijani football have been great. The legendary referee, who said goodbye to refereeing in 1975, also contributed to the training of Azerbaijani justice representatives.
It is no coincidence that he was also the first chairman of the AFFA Referees Committee, which was established in 1992. After a while, Bahramov was appointed general secretary of the organization.
As a result of all this, the number one sports facility of Azerbaijan - the Republican stadium was named after him. A monument to the deceased referee was also erected in the arena for the first time in the world. In addition, a documentary film was shot about him.
It should be noted that Bahramov died on March 26, 1993.
