Fair Play and Equality Celebrated in Baku on the 100th Anniversary of Tofiq Bahramov

On May 26, Baku hosted a special football event dedicated to two significant occasions: the 100th anniversary of the legendary Azerbaijani linesman Tofiq Bahramov and the inaugural celebration of May 19 as World Fair Play Day. The event was organized by the “Azerbaijan Football Referees” Public Union with the support of the British Embassy in Azerbaijan, the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), and Neftçi PFK. Its main purpose was to highlight the unifying spirit of football and emphasize the importance of fair play principles.

Held at ASK Arena, the symbolic “Fair Play Match” brought together participants from various categories – professional and veteran players, female footballers, referees, amateurs, and members of the national amputee football team. The mixed-team format demonstrated that football is for everyone and fairness forms its foundation.

The event served both as a celebration of the universal values of sport and as a tribute to Tofiq Bahramov, a highly respected figure in world football. Internationally recognized for his role in the 1966 World Cup final, Bahramov symbolizes integrity and impartiality—qualities that form the core of the fair play concept.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by several distinguished guests, including H.E. Fergus Auld, the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan; Gulaga Jabarov, Chairman of the “Azerbaijan Football Referees” Public Union; Iskandar Javadov, President of the Regional Football Federation; and Mehriban Mammadova, Head of the “Legal Eagles” women’s team. Ambassador Auld praised the initiative in Azerbaijani, highlighting that football and sport truly belong to everyone, and that playing on the same field illustrates how football unites people. He also noted that the match was dedicated to the face of Azerbaijani football, Tofiq Bahramov.

Among the active participants was the “Baku Juniors” Women’s Football Club, known for encouraging young women to take up football and break down gender stereotypes in sports. The club’s manager, Agasef Osmanli, stated that promoting equal opportunities and enhancing women’s visibility in football remains a core mission. The participation of clubs like Baku Juniors reflects growing interest and support for women’s football in Azerbaijan. Events like this serve as motivational platforms for young female athletes aspiring to represent their country internationally. Recently, the club has expanded outreach efforts in schools and communities to attract new talent and raise awareness about gender equality in sports.

The match brought together representatives from the British Embassy, the “Legal Eagles” and “Baku Juniors” women’s teams, referees, veterans, and amputee players. Despite differences in age, experience, and physical ability, all players united under the banner of fairness and solidarity.

To conclude the event, Neftçi PFK presented special gifts to members of the amputee football team, while the British Embassy distributed commemorative tokens to the women’s teams in recognition of their contributions. Organizers expressed hope that this initiative would inspire similar fair play projects across the region.

The “Fair Play Match” was more than a football game—it was a celebration of values that transcend sport: equality, mutual respect, and inclusion. Through such initiatives, Azerbaijan honors its football heritage while embracing a more inclusive future for the game.