SPORTSWORLD.AM
Former Armenian national team player Aras Ozbiliz posted on his social media page about the current leadership of the Armenian Football Federation (AFF).
The post is below.
"Dear Armenian football fans, players and all those who are concerned about the future of our football.
Recent events have once again shown the deep crisis Armenian football is in. After the heavy defeat suffered by the Georgian national team, it was necessary to take responsibility and offer real solutions, but the FFA leadership continues to avoid criticism and divert public attention, as it has done for years.
For a long time now, the football community, fans and industry professionals, have been demanding the resignation of FFA President Armen Melikbekyan. The reasons are clear: Armenian football has experienced an unprecedented decline and continues its rapid descent into final despair and loss of confidence.
Insufficient attention is paid to the development of youth football. The national team, whose game has inspired us for years, is now in a hopeless state.
However, instead of addressing these issues, the FFA President is focused on securing a seat on the UEFA Executive Committee, a position that currently only serves a narrow personal purpose, demonstrating Armen’s lack of control over the situation and his deep disregard for the dreams and concerns of all of us. It is deeply concerning that a man who has failed to advance Armenian football over the years now wants to represent Armenia in European football. Real leadership is determined by results, and when they are lacking, resignation is the only dignified decision.
In response to the fans' demands, Armen Melikbekyan's reaction was not only unexpected, but also far from football and human reason.
Instead of admitting his failures and offering solutions, he chose to politicize the issue, claiming that demanding his resignation undermines Armenia's sovereignty. This is not only misleading, but also disrespectful to the people who have dedicated their lives to Armenian football.
Let's clarify in more detail.
1. This demand has nothing to do with politics, but directly relates to football.
2. His failure is not a personal insult to him, but a fact that is confirmed by the results.
3. The desire to obtain a position in UEFA after failing at home is not progress, but hypocrisy.
If Melikbekyan is truly concerned about Armenian football, he should admit his failures, resign, and allow the new leadership to take responsibility. Football is NOT about political positions, it is about results, development, and providing opportunities for our young players.
The only question is: does he have enough dignity to accept this reality?
Changes are inevitable. Armenian football and our fans deserve the best.
"After all, there is no need to play with the country's reputation. Your own actions are harming football and the country," wrote the former midfielder of our national team.
Let's add that former captain Sargis Hovsepyan also made a Facebook post.
Photo: from Aras Ozbilis' Facebook page.