Baku hosts the Europa League Final.
But they will also be visiting one of the most repressive countries in Europe. And their experiences will almost certainly be very different from those of local football supporters.
In their World Report 2019, Human Rights Watch describes Azerbaijan’s human rights record as “appalling” and says that freedom of speech, media and association is severely restricted, torture is systemic and that around 50 activists and journalists are currently “wrongfully imprisoned”.
In a statement released in late March, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) raised a number of concerns over the suitability of Baku to host the Final, describing a harsh political environment that restricts fan rights and claiming: “Football supporters in Azerbaijan are also regularly targeted by the authorities. Minor offences can often lead to a period of administrative detention ranging up to eight weeks.”
According to Shamil Mustafayev, the leader of the national team’s supporters group: “It’s not that easy to be a fan in Azerbaijan – usually the main problem is police. There is little freedom for fans in terms of doing anything.”
A heavy police presence, with little skill in managing football crowds, tends to take sole charge of security for domestic matches and a minor offence such as lighting a flare could result in a prison sentence. “There is always tension between the fans and police,” adds Mustafayev, “and every match at least one fan ends up in the police station.”
This story is from the Summer 2019 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Summer 2019 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Never Say Never Again
Bayer Leverkusen are determined to shake off their tag of perennial runners-up
The Last Days Of Roma
How Jose Mourinho's time in the Italian capital came to an end
Opponents then friends: Beckenbauer and Cruyff
Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff’s relationship defined an era of football
THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN
RB Leipzig's as successful strategy to build a women's team as their men's is right on schedule
New-look Ulsan ready to defend title
The reigning K-League champions have rebranded since last season and are the team to beat yet again in 2024
Messi set for MLS spotlight
The Argentine and his Inter Miami team-mates will dominate the MLS headlines in a big year for North American football
Champions League knockout rounds begin
The last 16 has already begun, with the quarter-finals soon to follow
Hannes Halldorsson
The former Iceland goalkeeper looks back on his proudest moment in football
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2023-24 KNOCKOUT ROUND PREVIEW
Turn over now for Nick Bidwell's comprehensive team-by-team guide
Ventforet Kofu
Japanese second-tier side advance to Asian Champions League knockout rounds with a second-string team