FC Hayq excluded from Armenian First League for two seasons over match no-shows

FC Hayq has been excluded from the 2026/27 Armenian First League after failing to appear for the opening matches of the competition. In addition, the club will not be allowed to participate in the First League next season either.

The decision was made by a committee of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA).

“By decision of the committee, Hayq have been excluded from the 2026/2027 First League championship. The team has also been stripped of the right to participate in all competitions held under the auspices of the FFA during the current season. In addition, Hayq will not be allowed to participate in the First League championship next season,” the FFA said in a statement.

As a result, Hayq will also not take part in the Armenian Cup. Their opponent, FC Olympia, has automatically advanced to the Round of 16.

Just last season, Hayq appeared to be one of the more ambitious projects in Armenian football. The team played its home matches in Vanadzor and finished third in the First League.

The club’s squad included several players well known to Armenian football fans, including Armen Manucharyan, Razmik Hakobyan, Alik Arakelyan, Aleksandar Glisic, Juan Bravo and Erik Azizyan. Hayq also had the son of legendary Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, Isaac Drogba, on their roster.

However, the situation at the club deteriorated sharply ahead of the new season. Problems with contracts and squad building left Hayq without enough players to take part in the opening matches of the championship. The subsequent no-shows ultimately resulted in severe sanctions from the FFA.