Sport24.az
Taleh Nasibov, Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation, participated in a press conference held before the World Championship in Baku. Sport24.az reports that the official answered journalists' questions:
- As the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation, we are holding a world-class competition in Azerbaijan for the first time. Our country is used to holding such international competitions. It has always shown high professionalism. Many examples can be given. Taking this example, we, as AMF, intend to hold this competition at a high level. We want to do it at a level befitting Azerbaijan. Of course, there are always difficulties, and there will be. We are doing our best. Holding such competitions in Azerbaijan is a great responsibility for the federation. AMF does not have many employees. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Baku City Circuit are big supporters in holding this competition. So far, we are able to cope with this work properly.
- Today, a veterans' game will be held in the arena. There is great interest. Do you plan to continue this in the future?
- We ourselves are witnessing the extent of the interest. After the "Legends Cup", we want to make it a tradition every year. Next year, we will also put forward such an initiative and host such games. Probably it will happen. Because everyone welcomed this idea. It is also nice for us. They are our veterans. By participating in such games, they make us and the fans happy.
- How did the initiative to host the World Championship come about? Whose idea was it?
- After becoming European champions, we started doing more work. The 2023 World Championship was held in the UAE. It was the initiative of Orkhan Mammadov, the president of AMF. He put forward an initiative at the meetings of the World Minifootball Federation. We started negotiations with them. We took all the necessary steps. We invited them to Azerbaijan, showed them the arenas. After the arena was selected, the documents were collected and we announced that we wanted to host. At the next meeting, it was decided that the 2025 World Championship will be held in Baku. The main initiator is Orkhan Mammadov.
- What awaits the fans at the opening ceremony? How did you prepare?
- The opening is the mirror of every competition. We have taken enough necessary measures. It will be an interesting opening. Let the opening be what it will be on that day. You will tell us whether you like it or not.
- What is the task facing the national team?
- We are the hosts. We have created enough necessary conditions for the preparation of the national team. Whether it is training camps, nutrition, or every condition has been created. Playing as a host is also a responsibility. Our national team is fully prepared psychologically. They have also formed as a team, they have been in training camps for several months. It will be good. As hosts, we would like the cup to stay in Azerbaijan. Our goal is to win one of the top 3 places. We have told the players that it is good for us if we win one of the top 3 places.
- How do you feel about holding a women's minifootball championship?
- We are having difficulty because there is no such mass. Our championship is not that strong even in big football. Since the establishment of AMF, we have brought neighborhood football to the field. We have also shown professionalism on this and brought it to this level. If women are interested, we will not object to holding it. I just haven't witnessed such interest.
- Is there a prize fund for the national team?
- Of course, it will not be without a prize. It has already been discussed and determined with the head coach. I would not like to disclose it to the media. But a prize has been set by the president of the federation. The head coach has also been informed about this. I guess the head coach has also shared it with the team.
