Ozbilis accuses FFA of destroying Armenian football

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Armenian national team player and current director of Urartu Football Academy, Araz Ozbilis, has sharply criticized the leadership of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) following Armenia's heavy defeat to Georgia.

“I’ve stayed silent for a long time. But I will no longer remain silent because you are destroying our football,” Ozbilis said in a video statement he released.

He recalled that nearly a year ago he applied for the position of FFA director but was rejected on the grounds of lacking managerial experience.

“You don’t understand football or the game itself—that much is clear to everyone. But you’re also incompetent at management. You’ve failed in administration, organization, legal, financial, and media aspects. The worst part is that hope and belief are fading,” Ozbilis said.

He emphasized that it is time for the leadership to face reality and initiate changes.

Armenia’s head coach John van’t Schip and FFA President Armen Melikbekyan have apologized. Melikbekyan acknowledged the failures but stated that they are ready to meet the challenge. “We apologize to the public for these results. But after a lengthy discussion, we’ve reassured each other that we can move forward as a team, regardless of the negativity surrounding football. We are ready to overcome all difficulties, address our internal problems, and return in June in a completely different state,” Melikbekyan said.