AFFA expressed regret that Mkhitaryan was not participating in the Arsenal-Chelsea match

Baku /05.21.19 / Turan: The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan made a statement in connection with the refusal of the participation of the player of the British Arsenal Heinrich Mkhitaryan in the match of his club against Chelsea in Baku on May 29.

An AFFA statement says: "We are disappointed to see the Arsenal"s statement that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not go with his team to Baku to participate in the UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea next Wednesday.

We very much regret this unjustified decision, taken, as we understand, collectively by Arsenal, by the player and his family. Although we recognize the right to make a personal decision not to travel, we would like to repeat that Azerbaijan, as a host country, provided all the necessary guarantees required by UEFA to ensure the personal safety of Mr. Mkhitaryan.

There is no reason to doubt the seriousness of these guarantees provided by Azerbaijan.

Over the past decade, a large number of Armenian athletes took part in various international sports events in Azerbaijan without any problems. In conclusion, We believe that this sad decision will in no way affect the quality and attractiveness of this magnificent match.

We look forward to welcoming both teams in Baku in the near future."

Arsenal are expecting to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan at home for the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku on May 29 for fear that his presence would be a security risk and distraction for the rest of the squad and staff, reads The Times.

Diplomatic tensions between Mkhitaryan"s native Armenia and Azerbaijan, the host nation for the final, exist because of a longstanding conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The midfielder could be a target for an attack because of unconfirmed rumours that he has visited the disputed region in recent years.--0--