FFA denies reports that Yeghishe Melikyan does not hold Armenian citizenship

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) has issued an official statement in response to an article published by the newspaper Zhoghovurd (Ժողովուրդ), which claimed that Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan does not hold citizenship of the Republic of Armenia.

On October 8, Zhoghovurd published an article questioning the citizenship status of the 47-year-old coach. According to the newspaper, Melikyan allegedly does not hold Armenian citizenship and had previously stated in a public interview that he possessed Ukrainian citizenship and had used a Ukrainian passport.

The authors of the article linked the issue to the head coach's recent comments about players in the Armenian national team. In particular, Melikyan had stated: "Let them clean themselves up so I know who I'm going to war with."

The newspaper also raised questions about the citizenship of Melikyan's son and whether he might be subject to compulsory military service in Armenia. However, the article provided no verified information regarding his son's citizenship or military service status.

Zhoghovurd also claimed that its journalists had attempted to contact Melikyan for comment but that the coach had not responded to their questions.

FFA: Melikyan holds an Armenian passport and has served in the military

In response to the publication, the Football Federation of Armenia issued an official denial, emphasizing that Yeghishe Melikyan is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.

"In response to reports circulating in the media, the Football Federation of Armenia states that Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.

He holds a passport of the Republic of Armenia and a military service booklet, which he received after completing his service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia," the FFA statement reads.

The federation also recalled that Melikyan made 30 appearances for the Armenian national team during his playing career.

The FFA separately addressed the newspaper's claim that its journalists had attempted to contact the head coach. According to the federation, no media representative had approached Melikyan to request a comment on the matter.

"No media representative has contacted Yeghishe Melikyan or requested a comment from him regarding this issue," the FFA emphasized.

In closing, the federation urged journalists to verify facts before publishing such reports and to contact the relevant individuals to confirm the accuracy of their information.

Thus, the FFA has officially rejected the claim that Yeghishe Melikyan does not hold Armenian citizenship, confirming that the national team head coach possesses an Armenian passport and has served in the country's armed forces. However, the federation's statement did not specifically address whether Melikyan may also hold citizenship of another country.