Noah Issues Statement Addressing the Leadership of the Football Federation of Armenia

The current vice-champion, cup holder, and super cup holder of Armenia, "Noah" football club, has issued an official statement ahead of the new season, directed towards the leadership of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) and its responsible departments.

The club has voiced concerns regarding issues recorded in the previous season, demanding equal and objective treatment, fair competition, and adherence to purely sporting principles. Below is the complete statement from the club.

"To Mr. Armen Melikbekyan, President of the FFA,
To Mr. Edgar Petrosyan, General Secretary of the FFA,
To Mr. Slavic Ghazaryan, President of the FFA Refereeing Committee,
To Mr. Arman Alaberkyan, Head of the FFA Refereeing and Inspection Department,
To Mr. Davit Harutyunyan, Head of the FFA Competitions Department,
To Mr. Karen Hovhannisyan, President of the FFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee,
To all interested departments and officials,
Dear gentlemen,
Dear football community,

Throughout the previous season, the "Noah" football club has publicly and through official letters repeatedly expressed concerns regarding refereeing, game organization, as well as the application of disciplinary and ethical procedures. We believe that in several instances, situations arose that raised substantial questions about the consistency, objectivity, and equal treatment of all participants.

Recent changes within the Football Federation of Armenia, particularly the resignation of FFA Vice President Armen Nikoghosyan and President Armen Melikbekyan’s declaration that he will not run for re-election in the next elections, mark an important phase for Armenian football. Under these circumstances, it is more important than ever that the new season commences in an atmosphere of fair competition, independence, and mutual trust.

The "Noah" football club has never expected to receive privileges or special treatment. Our expectation has always been and remains one principle: an equal, objective, and predictable approach to all clubs, fully adhering to the existing regulations and principles of sporting fairness.

It is notable that after our voiced concerns in the previous season, three matches involving "Noah" were officiated by foreign referees. In two of those matches, "Noah" achieved significant victories, while the third ended in a draw. At the same time, our team did not receive any yellow cards in two of those matches, which was an exceptional case for "Noah" considering the overall picture formed during the season. Nonetheless, we are confident that Armenian refereeing has the necessary potential to officiate matches with the same high standards as those mentioned.

A commendable fact is that all four representatives of Armenia participated in the second round of European competitions. This is a collective achievement of Armenian club football, which we trust will motivate all of us to work more diligently for the sake of Armenian football. We wish to see not only Armenian clubs but also Armenian referees have a greater presence on the international stage in the coming years. We would like to see them in the higher categories of UEFA, as well as in important matches of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

We are convinced that a strong and confidence-inspiring domestic league is the best foundation for the international success of both Armenian clubs and referees. A quality league is also the backbone of the national team.

Ahead of the new season, the "Noah" football club expects that all processes related to refereeing, game organization, disciplinary actions, and ethical issues will be carried out exclusively in accordance with the existing regulations, UEFA, and FIFA principles, ensuring full objectivity, consistency, transparency, and independence.

Our singular aim is to have a competitive and fair league, where sporting results are determined solely on the pitch, without any influence from outside. We call upon all responsible officials to operate from the first match of the season until the last exclusively on the principles of the highest professionalism, independence, impartiality, and accountability.

Justice is not a request or a privilege. It is the fundamental obligation of every tournament organizer and the inalienable right of every club. Let us cooperate in an environment of mutual respect for a fairer and more competitive Armenian football.

Respectfully,
"Noah" Football Club"