FIFA Thanks AFFA for High-Level Organization of Refereeing at U-15 World Championship and Festival
World football governing body FIFA has expressed its gratitude to the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) for the high-level organization of refereeing at the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival held in Azerbaijan on October 22–30, 2026.
Operativ Media reports that in an official letter sent to AFFA Secretary General Jahangir Farajullayev, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina highly praised the refereeing organization and the professional officiating of matches according to high standards at the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival.
“The successful implementation of such an important event was possible only through professional preparation, strong organizational skills, and dedicated teamwork. In this regard, we would like to particularly note the efforts of AFFA’s Referees Committee and Referees Department,” the letter stated.
In the letter, Pierluigi Collina thanked all AFFA staff involved in the organization of refereeing and match management, especially Azerbaijani football referees, for their invaluable contribution to the successful hosting of the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival.
A total of 86 referees participated in the matches of the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival held in Azerbaijan. Of these, 80 were local Azerbaijani officials, while three were invited from Georgia and three from Türkiye.
