Statement by Sabah Football Club

Yesterday marked a major victory in the history of our club and an important milestone for Azerbaijani football. We are proud of the result achieved by our team and would like to thank all our supporters who stood by us and supported the team on this historic day.

Against the backdrop of this major football celebration, reports concerning an incident involving supporters prior to the match are a matter of regret. Sabah Football Club considers it necessary to clarify its position regarding this matter.

Our club has always attached great importance to the principles of fair play, mutual respect, and civil conduct.

We are particularly proud that a significant proportion of those attending Sabah matches are families and children. The family-friendly, safe, and welcoming atmosphere established at our home matches is of special importance to the club.

At the same time, we highly appreciate the professionalism of the law enforcement authorities and security services of the Republic of Azerbaijan in ensuring a high level of safety and public order during our matches.

As a club representing Azerbaijan in international competitions, we place particular importance on our country’s traditions of hospitality. We treat all visiting teams, their representatives, and supporters arriving in Baku with respect, regardless of their nationality or the club they represent, and we will continue to do so.

At the same time, we consider it important that the full context of yesterday’s incident is presented accurately.

Based on the information and materials currently available to the club, prior to the incident, verbal aggression was directed by visiting supporters towards local fans, including the use of certain expressions regarded as offensive within the Azerbaijani cultural context.

Nevertheless, the position of our club is unequivocal: regardless of any circumstances or provocation that may have preceded the incident, we do not support, condone, or justify physical aggression or violence under any circumstances. Any dispute or misunderstanding must be resolved through civil and lawful means and must never escalate into physical confrontation.

The club is fully prepared to cooperate with UEFA and the relevant authorities regarding the incident. In order to ensure an objective investigation into all circumstances surrounding the matter, the information and materials available to the club, including relevant CCTV footage, are being provided to the competent authorities and will continue to be made available should this be required.

We have full respect for and confidence in the professionalism of the law enforcement authorities and trust that all details of the incident will be examined objectively and in accordance with the law.

At the same time, we call upon both our own supporters and foreign supporters visiting our country to show mutual respect, uphold the values of football culture, and respect one another as well as the culture, traditions, and values of the country they are visiting. Football is a great game that brings people together regardless of nationality, language, or culture, and isolated incidents should not overshadow these values.

Sabah Football Club will continue to do everything in its power to represent Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani football with dignity on the international stage.