Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

The opening ceremony and the first AZFAR Business League games - ABL Cup 2017/18 has been held in Baku.

The mini-football championship Azfar Business League of such format and scale is held for the first time in Azerbaijan and takes place on the professional pitches of the AZFAR company.

ABL Cup 2017/18 is organized by ASEP (AZFAR SPORT EVENT & PROMOTION).

Addressing the event, ASEP CEO Andrey Sarichev said that the holding of the championship will be a bright event in country's sport. He also stressed that the mini-football championship will be remembered for its unique competitive atmosphere.

"ASEP company is based on AZFARGROUP, which operates mini football fields.There are 14 locations and 29 stadiums in Baku and Sumgait that meet the highest international standards of FIFA with a high-quality service equipped with the latest infrastructure - new locker rooms, showers, cafes and a recreation area. . Our main motto is "Professional approach to amateur football". This is the championship for the most active and advanced companies in Azerbaijan", said Sarichev.

"Participation in the Business League will contribute to the development of corporate culture, the strengthening of intracorporate ties, the mention of the company in the media and the increase in brand recognition among customers and partners, the popularization and further development of corporate amateur football, the improvement of sports skills among employees, the formation of a positive attitude towards sport among employees, " he added.

The championship will cause a big resonance in public life.

Later, guests were presented a vivid concert program.

As a result of blind drawing, 32 teams participating in the tournament were divided into 8 groups. In the group stage, each team will play 3 matches. Based on the results of group matches, another draw will be organized, according to which the teams will continue the games on the Olympic system. Teams that do not qualify for the playoff series will continue to play for a place in the overall table of the championship and determine their personal ranking.

Richard Almeida, a football midfielder currently playing for Azerbaijan’s FC Qarabag became the face of ABL Cup.

A detailed report on each match will be posted on the website: www.abl.az)

Here you can get acquainted with the participants of the championship, groups and time of the games, get a lot of useful information.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az, Dsport.az, ATV

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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