Gevorg Kasparov: 'We Say We Don't Have Players, But Where Can They Play in Their Own Country?'

Patriots of Armenian football, do not destroy our football while it is still not too late: This was the message shared today by Gevorg Kasparov, the goalkeeper of 'Gandzasar-Kapan', on his Facebook page.

In response to an inquiry from ArmSport, the experienced goalkeeper emphasized that his post is related to the policies of our teams: 'I’m not saying anything new, the post is connected to the policies of our teams. So many foreign players are being brought in that our Armenian boys, to put it bluntly, are finding themselves in second and third place.'

He added, 'At Gandzasar-Kapan, it’s the opposite. Thank God our club emphasizes Armenian players. One thing I can say is that if they continue to turn a blind eye, it will be even worse in a few years. The situation regarding goalkeepers is downright catastrophic. Let our concerned Armenian football factions look at how many Armenian goalkeepers are playing.'

Kasperov highlighted the importance of understanding what we want from our football first and foremost. He stated that the issue of the limit on legionnaires in Armenian football requires serious discussion: 'There are different limits around the world; especially for our small league, it should be discussed seriously. We need to think about becoming a football-exporting country. Regarding the current limit that exists, you simply don’t understand if it’s a limit for Armenians or for foreigners. We say we don’t have that many footballers, but where can our players play? There is no space for them to play football in their own country. Look at our First League, it's a disaster.'

Kasparov also pointed to problems with the autumn-spring format of the championship: 'These are issues that our football officials should take serious steps on while it’s still not too late. Later, it may be too late. Some people may not like what I’m saying, but it’s a fact. We are endangering our football for tomorrow.'

Regarding hopes related to the current leadership of the Football Federation of Armenia, Gevorg Kasparov said, 'We will see what the future holds.'