Nariman Akhundov
Baku,Azerbaijan
Summary
Football management professional with 15+ years of experience in national team operations, international tournament coordination, and youth football development. Proven expertise in leading multi-team structures, managing large-scale UEFA & FIFA events, and delivering high-level organizational and protocol support. Skilled in strategic planning and talent identification, Adept at managing budgets, resources, and cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance with international football regulations. Strong record of fostering relationships with clubs, federations, and stakeholders to drive performance, operational excellence, and long-term growth in football programs
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of Youth National Teams Department (U15–U21)
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)
Baku, Azerbaijan
01.2019 - 11.2025
- Oversee operations for seven youth national teams, including logistics, planning, match coordination, and international communications.
- Lead administrative, travel, and competition preparation processes for more than 100 matches and camps annually.
- Manage staff, budgeting, team services, and development programs across men’s youth pathways.
- Represent AFFA as Match Delegate in domestic professional competitions.
- Coordinate with clubs, agents, and international federations on player call-ups, eligibility, and transfers.
- Ensure compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and national regulations in all competitions and player registrations.
- Facilitate scouting, talent identification, and integration of youth players into national team programs.
Match Delegate
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
01.2022 - Current
- Represent AFFA as the highest on-site authority,
- ensuring compliance with competition regulations.
- Oversee match-day operations, security, accreditation, and coordination with teams and referees.
- Resolve operational issues in real time and ensure proper implementation of match protocols.
- Prepare detailed match reports covering incidents, organisation, and regulatory compliance.
Head of Women's football department
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw the strategic development and administration of women’s football programs at all levels.
- Designed and implemented national women’s competitions, leagues, and youth development initiatives.
- Managed coaching staff, technical programs, and player pathways to strengthen talent development.
- Coordinated international fixtures, tournaments, and exchanges for women’s national teams.
- Developed and monitored budgets, sponsorships, and partnerships to support women’s football growth.
- Represented the federation in domestic and international forums, promoting women’s football initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and national regulations for all women’s football activities.
- Led programs for coach education, referee development, and grassroots participation in women’s football.
Manager of Women's national teams
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
04.2010 - 01.2017
- Managed all operational aspects of women’s national teams, including travel, logistics, and match organization.
- Coordinated player call-ups, medical support, training camps, and competition schedules.
- Supervised coaching and support staff, ensuring smooth day-to-day team operations.
- Maintained communication with international federations, clubs, and tournament organizers.
- Oversaw budget management, procurement, and resource allocation for team activities.
- Ensured compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and national regulations for international competitions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Foreign Languages (English)
Azerbaijan International University
01.2001 - 01.2005
UEFA Certificate - Football Management
University of Lausanne
01.2021 - 01.2022
Skills
- Team Operations & Logistics
- Tournament & Event Management
- Protocol & Team Services
- Youth Development Structures
- International Communication & Relations
- Leadership & Staff Coordination
- Budgeting & Resource Management
- Compliance & Governance (FIFA, UEFA, National)
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning & Project Management
- Talent Identification & Player Pathway Management
- Travel & Competition Planning
- Match Day Coordination & Administration
Websites
Certification
- UEFA “C” Coaching License (2015)
- Multiple UEFA Study Group Visits: Women’s elite youth development & national team structures (2011–2018)
- FIFA Women’s Football Conference (2018)
Languages
Azerbaijani (native)
English (fluent)
Turkish (fluent)
Russian (fluent)
Major International Tournament Roles (FIFA, UEFA, EAFF)
Tournament Director – EAFF Amputee Football Nations League Division C (Baku, 2025)
Directed all operational, logistical, and competition aspects of the tournament, ensuring smooth delivery and compliance with EAFF regulations.
Operations Director – FIFA Series 2024 (Baku, 2024)
Oversaw tournament operations, including team logistics, match scheduling, and coordination with FIFA officials.
Protocol Manager – UEFA EURO 2020 (Baku, 2021)
Managed official protocol, VIP coordination, and team liaison duties for matches hosted in Baku.
Team Liaison Officer – Chelsea, UEFA Europa League Final vs Arsenal (Baku, 2019)
Served as primary contact for Chelsea FC, managing team logistics, match-day operations, and communications.
Tournament Director – Euro Beach Soccer League Division A (Baku, 2018)
Planned and executed tournament operations, coordinating teams, referees, and venue logistics.
Tournament Director – UEFA Women’s U-17 Qualification Mini-Tournament (2017)
Managed tournament organization, including scheduling, match operations, and coordination with UEFA officials.
Team Services – 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games (Baku, 2017)
Handled team logistics, accommodation, and match preparation for participating national teams.
Team Services – UEFA U-17 European Championship Baku 2016 (Baku, 2016)
Coordinated team operations, travel, and competition support for UEFA U-17 participants.
Team Services – FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 (Baku, 2012)
Provided comprehensive team services, including logistics, training camp support, and match-day coordination.
UEFA Delegate Liaison Officer – UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League matches (Baku 2011–2025)
Served as liaison between UEFA delegates and local organizing committees, ensuring match operations met international standards.
Timeline
Match Delegate
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
01.2022 - Current
UEFA Certificate - Football Management
University of Lausanne
01.2021 - 01.2022
Head of Youth National Teams Department (U15–U21)
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)
01.2019 - 11.2025
Head of Women's football department
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
01.2017 - 01.2019
Manager of Women's national teams
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan
04.2010 - 01.2017
Bachelor's Degree - Foreign Languages (English)
Azerbaijan International University
01.2001 - 01.2005