Ararat-Armenia Opposes FFA Statute Changes Ahead of Presidential Election

Ararat-Armenia Football Club has publicly opposed the proposed amendments to the statutes of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA). In an official statement released on November 1, the club confirmed that it would vote against the amendments at the federation's extraordinary general meeting scheduled for November 4.

Earlier reports had suggested that Ararat-Armenia was among the initiators of the extraordinary meeting and supported the proposed changes. However, the club rejected this interpretation, explaining that signing the document only indicated its willingness to participate in discussions.

The statement emphasized that the clubs had neither initiated nor drafted the proposed amendments.

What Changes Are Being Proposed to the FFA Statutes?

Two main amendments have been submitted for consideration:

1. Removing eligibility requirements for candidates seeking positions on the FFA Executive Committee, specifically the requirements to speak Armenian and to have permanently resided in Armenia for the previous year.

2. Changing how terms of office are calculated for the president, vice-president and members of the Executive Committee. Under the proposal, serving less than two years would not count as a full term, while serving two years or more would count as one complete term.

Ararat-Armenia acknowledged that the permanent residency requirement could be open to discussion, as potential candidates may have spent recent years working abroad.

However, the club strongly criticized the proposal to remove the Armenian-language proficiency requirement.

"Removing the requirement to speak Armenian is highly objectionable, if not a disgraceful proposal," the club stated.

According to Ararat-Armenia, Executive Committee members must understand the realities of Armenian football, the local mentality and the country's specific characteristics, while also being able to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.

Club Suspects Changes Are Designed for a Specific Candidate

The statement also raised questions about the timing of the proposed amendments.

Ararat-Armenia's management believes that the changes are not driven by the need for systemic reforms but may instead be intended to create favorable conditions for a particular individual ahead of the upcoming FFA presidential election.

"Ahead of the upcoming FFA presidential election, an attempt is being made to amend the statutes to suit a specific candidate, a specific individual," the club alleged.

Ararat-Armenia expressed similar concerns about the proposed changes to how Executive Committee members' terms of office are calculated.

The club emphasized that football governance must be based on the fundamental principles of fairness, equality, competition and transparency.

Ararat-Armenia Confirms It Will Vote Against the Amendments

In the concluding part of its statement, Ararat-Armenia reiterated that it would not support the proposed package of amendments and would vote against it.

The FFA's extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for November 4 at 12:00.

Meanwhile, Ararat-Armenia's management will be in Leiria, Portugal, on that date, where the team is preparing to face Torrense in the UEFA Europa League. The club cited this scheduling conflict as the reason for submitting its position in writing ahead of the meeting.