Şəfa return to the top flight after 21 years — and Azerbaijan is handed the first FIFA U-15 World Cup
Şəfa Baku — founded in 1998, Azerbaijan Cup winners in 2000-01 over Neftçi, and withdrawn mid-season in 2004-05 when the money ran out — won the 2025/26 First League and are back in the…
Şəfa Baku — founded in 1998, Azerbaijan Cup winners in 2000-01 over Neftçi, and withdrawn mid-season in 2004-05 when the money ran out — won the 2025/26 First League and are back in the Premier League for the first time in 21 years, replacing the relegated Karvan Yevlax. Elgiz Karamli, who won the promotion, left by mutual consent within two weeks of clinching it; Zaur Həşimov, who was the club's joint top scorer in its debut 1998-99 season, was appointed on 26 May.
Separately, the FIFA Council Bureau awarded Azerbaijan the inaugural FIFA U-15 Boys' World Cup, to be played from 22 to 31 October 2026, together with the accompanying 2026 Festival. Azerbaijan will also co-host the final stage of the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Uzbekistan.
On the infrastructure side, AFFA confirmed on 22 July that the Liv Bona Dea Arena's pitch is being relaid with a hybrid surface of roughly 95% natural grass and 5% synthetic fibre, with all works to be complete before the season opens on 14 August. 437.