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Former Armenian national team striker and member of FC Ararat-Armenia’s coaching staff Gevorg Ghazaryan has announced his decision to run for president of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA).
Ghazaryan issued a video statement in response to an earlier announcement by several fan groups expressing their desire to see him become president of the Football Federation of Armenia.
“Dear football fans, In light of the discussions over the past few days concerning the upcoming presidential elections of the Football Federation of Armenia and my possible candidacy, I would like to present my position. First of all, I would like to thank the fans and everyone who has expressed confidence in me and put forward my candidacy for the position of FFA president. I have not rushed to make a public statement until now because, for me, this is not simply a matter of holding a position or personal ambition. It is about the future of Armenian football and a great responsibility. I have spent most of my life in football. For many years, I had the honor of representing the Armenian national team, played for Armenian and foreign clubs, became familiar with different football systems, and saw firsthand the problems and opportunities facing our football. I am convinced that Armenian football has far greater potential than we are currently able to realize. We need systemic changes, a clear strategy, professional management and a long-term development plan. Our priorities should include the development of youth football, coach education, modern infrastructure, effective cooperation with clubs, and improving the competitiveness of our national teams. At the same time, it is essential to me that the entire process leading up to the election of the president of the Football Federation of Armenia, as well as the election itself, be conducted fairly and transparently, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. I want to particularly emphasize that putting forward my candidacy is not an end in itself and cannot be one. It is important to me that my participation be conscious, well-founded and understandable not only to the fans supporting me but also to the wider football community. Any candidacy should be assessed first and foremost on the basis of the ideas presented, the development program and its feasibility, professional capabilities, and readiness to assume responsibility. I am ready to invest my knowledge, experience and capabilities in the development of Armenian football, take part in professional discussions and present my views on possible solutions. I do not believe that one person can solve all the problems that have accumulated over the years. We need to bring together the capable members of the football community, form a professional team and achieve real, measurable changes through consistent work. Our goal should not simply be to elect a new president, but to establish a management system that enjoys the trust of the football community and creates real opportunities for the development of Armenian football. I call on representatives of all generations of Armenian football, players, coaches, clubs, industry professionals and everyone who cares about the game to join this initiative, regardless of past disagreements or differences in approach. We have a much more important common goal: Armenian football belongs to all of us, and we all share responsibility for its future. Accepting the fans’ proposal, I announce my decision to run for president of the Football Federation of Armenia. This is not one person’s path; this is our common cause. Together, for Armenian football,” Gevorg Ghazaryan said.
On November 6, several Armenian football fan groups announced their intention to nominate Gevorg Ghazaryan for the position of FFA president. The groups were FAF, RED EAGLES, ALFA FUN CLUB, SECTOR 1, BLACK PANTHERS and SOUTH WEST ULTRAS.
The elections for the president of the Football Federation of Armenia and its Executive Committee will be held during the FFA’s 28th regular annual elective assembly, which is scheduled to begin at 12:00 on December 21.
Incumbent FFA President Armen Melikbekyan has already announced that he will not seek re-election.
The name of FFA President’s Advisor for International Affairs Denis Djorkaeff has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the presidency. However, his candidacy has not yet been officially confirmed.