Shirak FC Returns Gyumri Football Academy to FFA Amid Tragedy and Inaction

Shirak Football Club has issued an official statement announcing the return of the Gyumri Football Academy to the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA). The decision follows a tragic incident on December 29, 2023, and, according to the club, complete inaction from the Federation ever since.

On that day, strong winds caused a 25-meter section of the academy’s wall to collapse, resulting in the death of a civilian. A public criminal investigation was launched into the incident.

Shirak reports that the FFA, which is the nominal owner of the academy’s infrastructure, was immediately informed. However, in the year and a half since the tragedy, not a single representative of the FFA has visited the academy to assess the situation on site.

“We have repeatedly requested the construction documents of the academy from the FFA and proposed the creation of a joint working group to assess construction and safety issues. Unfortunately, we have been consistently met with total indifference from the Federation’s leadership,” the club stated.

Prioritizing the safety of the academy’s students and seeking to prevent such tragedies in the future, Shirak FC has decided to return the Gyumri Football Academy to the Football Federation of Armenia.