Category: Azer News

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has erupted into violent clashes over the past several days, marking a dangerous escalation in regional tensions. According to reports from both sides, casualties have already mounted. Pakistani officials claim that nearly 200 Afghan fighters were killed in retaliatory strikes, while the Taliban-led Afghan government asserts that 58 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the conflict.

This flare-up comes at a time when global attention is already strained by ongoing crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the recent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. The emergence of a new conflict in South Asia has sparked alarm across the international community, particularly given Pakistan’s status as a nuclear-armed state.

The border, which spans over 2,600 kilometers, has been closed following the exchange of fire, halting trade and civilian movement. Analysts warn that this could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the region, especially for communities dependent on cross-border access.

With tensions running high and diplomatic channels strained, international organizations and neighboring countries are urging both sides to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolution. The prospect of a broader conflict looms large, threatening to destabilize an already volatile region.

Speaking to Azernews, political analyst Imran Khalid, who is in Pakistan now – emphasized that the clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan erupted over the weekend, stemming from long-simmering tensions along the Durand Line, the disputed border that has divided Pashtun communities for over a century. What started as isolated skirmishes escalated into heavy fighting when Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border posts in the Torkham and Spin Boldak areas.

‘Pakistan responded with artillery, airstrikes, and ground operations, capturing at least 19 Afghan positions according to local reports. The trigger appears to be Pakistan’s frustration with Kabul’s alleged support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has launched deadly attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. Islamabad has long accused the Taliban regime of providing safe havens to TTP fighters, allowing them to orchestrate cross-border terrorism that has killed Pakistani soldiers and civilians. This isn’t new; the TTP’s resurgence since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover has turned the border into a powder keg,’ Imran Khalid said.

The political analyst detailed that the Afghan government’s overconfidence played a big role in this flare-up. Their foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spent eight days in India starting October 9, marking the first high-level Taliban visit to New Delhi since Kabul fell.

‘During that trip, Muttaqi met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and issued a joint statement that irked Pakistan, including references to Kashmir that Islamabad saw as meddling. Bolstered by Indian diplomatic overtures and potential economic ties, the Taliban seemed emboldened, perhaps miscalculating that such backing would deter Pakistani retaliation. India has been engaging Kabul quietly, maintaining a technical mission there, but this visit felt like a green light for Afghan assertiveness. The timing is no coincidence – the clashes intensified right as Muttaqi wrapped up his tour, suggesting Kabul thought it could push boundaries without consequence,’ he said.

Imran Khalid added that Pakistan’s response has been swift and decisive, practically bulldozing Afghan checkpoints in retaliatory strikes. He noted that Pakistani forces used jets and tanks to overrun Taliban positions, claiming over 200 Afghan fighters killed while suffering 23 losses themselves. Afghanistan countered by saying it killed 58 Pakistani troops, but the asymmetry is clear: Kabul’s forces, despite their bravado, are no match for Pakistan’s conventional military edge in airpower, artillery, and logistics. The border crossings are now sealed, halting trade and stranding thousands, which hurts Afghanistan’s fragile economy far more than Pakistan’s.

‘As for whether these clashes will end soon or spiral into full-scale war, I doubt we’ll see a prolonged conflict, but a quick resolution seems unlikely without major concessions from Kabul. Muttaqi, fresh from India, is now calling for negotiations and a ceasefire in public briefings, urging de-escalation to avoid broader fallout. Even U.S. President Trump, en route to a Middle East summit, has offered to mediate, boasting about his track record in solving wars. But from Islamabad’s perspective, talks are pointless until Afghanistan stops harboring TTP elements and expels them. Pakistan has conducted airstrikes targeting TTP leaders like Noor Wali Mehsud in Afghan provinces such as Paktika and Khost, underscoring that counter-terrorism is non-negotiable. Iran has voiced concerns too, stepping in to urge restraint amid fears of regional instability.

If Kabul continues to play host to militants while courting external support, these skirmishes could drag on, eroding trust further. Yet a full war benefits no one-Pakistan holds the upper hand militarily, and Afghanistan can’t afford another front. The ball is in Kabul’s court: expel the TTP, and we might see borders reopen. Until then, expect more tension, not peace,’ Imran Khalid concluded.

On October 17th and 18th, the world premiere of the ballet “Two Carpets” will take place at “Astana Ballet,” promising to be a true masterpiece on an international scale and to offer the audience an unforgettable immersion into a world of beauty, mysticism, and history.

Ahead of this momentous event, the artistic director, director, and choreographer of the production, Alexander Mogilev, shared with Trend Life about his work on this international project.

Q: In ballet, directing is the art of creating a harmonious performance by creatively organizing all elements of the production based on the choreographer’s vision, guiding the work of all participants in the performance. In this project, you embody the unity of the creative process. Alexander, tell us about the creation of the ballet “Two Carpets.”

A: The idea of creating the ballet belongs to Mosaic Del Arte, whose main goal is to revive interest in ballet and prove that art knows no boundaries. But we understand that classical ballet today might not be entirely understood by modern audiences. Therefore, our task is to speak the modern language while still respecting traditions. The idea and spirit of Mosaic Del Arte are embodied in this international project, which involves participants from Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Brazil.

The general producer of Mosaic Del Arte and the author of the ballet’s libretto *”Two Carpets”* Valery Kopeikin was inspired by the history of the Shirvan carpet – a black and red work from the Louvre collection. As we know, Azerbaijani carpets are masterpieces that reflect the inner world of the craftsman.

The story we present is one of love – very touching and profound. The plot centers around a girl named Leyla who weaves a carpet, beginning with red threads – a symbol of love. After hearing of the death of her beloved Samir in the war, she switches to black threads. Later, it is revealed that he did not die but was wounded, captured, and lost his memory in Europe. There, he meets Margot, a woman from Vienna, and they develop feelings for each other and live together. But fate brings that very carpet, woven by Leyla, into their home. Gazing at the patterns on the carpet, Samir’s memory is restored, and he decides to return to Baku. Margot, despite her love, lets him go, realizing that she cannot oppose the light and true feelings Samir now has in his heart. Upon returning to Baku, Samir sees Leyla weaving a second carpet with black threads, but the joy of their reunion transforms her work into red tones. Hence the title – “Two Carpets.”

Q: The large-scale ballet “Two Carpets,” involving more than 140 people, is indeed impressive! You have been involved in many projects as a dancer, choreographer, and director. What personal ideas have you brought to this project?

A: Indeed, this project is significant for us, and a large team of professionals is involved. Out of these 140 people, 50 are orchestra musicians, 33 are ballet performers, and there is also the technical staff, artists, projectors, decorators, etc. There are even children playing young Samir and Leyla, and “four hooligans” who appear on the streets of Baku and Vienna. An invited violist will also appear on stage, playing the role of “the fate of destiny,” appearing at key moments and performing a touching solo.

The specially composed music for the ballet by composer Arseniy Smirnov also includes a script that I wrote. The production features many special effects and projections, along with grandiose and colorful decorations created by artist Anastasia Kapustina, including the design of the carpet with unique patterns. The carpet itself was specially woven for the premiere by the craftswomen of the Azerkhalcha OJSC in a unique piece. The costumes were designed by the famous designer Igor Chapurin.

I would like to note that delving into history and legends is a special pleasure for any director. It’s a very deep and thoughtful job! I turned to Azerbaijani culture, studying the symbolism and meaning of gestures, positions, and folk dances. This was all incredibly interesting. But my task was not to reproduce purely folk dances, but to integrate their elements into classical and modern ballet, creating a neoclassical language of movement.

Additionally, I’m interested in working with visual effects, which can be integrated into classical ballet, where there is a storyline, a narrative, and a legend, and to try to tell this story in a modern language.

For example, in the ballet, there is a scene when the First World War begins, featuring absolutely modern choreography. But then, there is a ballroom scene where Samir invites Leyla to dance. This is a completely classical scene of art – pointe shoes, ballet movements.

The harmony of classical and modern dance, special effects, visual solutions, decorations, and costumes gives the ballet a unique charm and aura. Moreover, I personally took lessons on handling a Simonov rifle to realistically portray how cadets at the Suvorov Military School practice with guns. For this, I consulted with an officer from the Kremlin Regiment. Everything has been done with maximum authenticity. I delve so deeply into the plot and the dance itself that I can confidently take responsibility for every movement, every gesture, and the placement of the performers on stage.

Q: How important is ballet for you as a means of expression?

A: Ballet is one of the deepest forms of art; it is a language of feelings that does not need to be understood – it needs to be felt. It allows each viewer to interpret what is happening in their own way. It is an art that speaks without words but is stronger than words. When you watch a ballet performance, you’re not told what emotions to feel – you are free to choose and interpret the images, discovering new meanings for yourself. This is much more interesting, especially for intellectual and cultured people who enjoy solving metaphors on their own.

Q: What do you expect from the world premiere of “Two Carpets?”

A: “Two Carpets” is my second collaboration with Valery Kopeikin. The first was the rock-ballet “Blind Forgiveness,” presented in Greece.

The ballet premiere in Astana deserves an international stage, as a tremendous amount of work has gone into it. We hope that the performance will tour Europe, Asia, and, of course, be presented in Azerbaijan.

Art enriches a person, and I believe that the audience will not remain the same after the performance, but will change for the better. I hope that they see not just a show, but experience it. I hope they feel the connection between art, passion, and the individual. I hope the ballet “Two Carpets” will touch the hearts of the audience just as it touched ours during its creation.

The opera “Leyli and Majnun”, composed by the founder of Azerbaijani professional music and prominent composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, was presented at the Heydar Aliyev Palace by the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, in celebration of his 140th anniversary, Azernews reports.

This performance was not only a tribute to the composer ‘s anniversary but also a celebration of the rich traditions of Azerbaijani musical culture.

“Leyli and Majnun”, regarded as Hajibayli’s masterpiece, was first staged in 1908 and is considered the first opera in the East.

In the performance, the lead roles of Leyli and Majnun were portrayed by Ravana Amiraslanli and Mirali Sarizade, respectively.

The roles of Leyli’s father and mother were performed by Taleh Yahyayev and Aytan Maharramova, while Mutallim Damirov and Afag Aghayeva played Majnun’s parents. Other roles were played by Fuad Azizzade (Ibn Salam), Jahangir Gurbanov (Nofel), Nazar Baylarov (Zeid), and Parviz Verdiyev (Sheikh).

In the ballet sections, the role of Leyli was danced by Maryam Shabakayeva, Majnun by Rust?m Hajiyev, and the child roles of Leyli and Majnun were performed by Lal?zar Ibrahimli and Adil Alizade, respectively.

The conductor of the performance was Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, the stage director was Nijat Kazimov, the set designer was Honored Cultural Worker Tehran Babayev, the costume designer was Leyla Aliyeva, the choirmaster was Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva, and the choreographer was Honored Artist Yuriy Lobachev.

Honored Artist Elkhan Mansurov accompanied the performance on the solo cello, and Honored Artist Elnur Ahmadov played the kamancha.

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a part of AZCON Holding, has welcomed a second new Airbus A320neo to its fleet this year as part of a large-scale modernization and sustainable development program.

The fleet expansion strengthens AZAL’s position in regional and global aviation markets while offering passengers greater flexibility and comfort when planning their journeys.

The Airbus A320neo is equipped with a modern interior designed for passenger comfort, featuring larger overhead storage bins and ergonomic seats. Both business and economy class passengers can enjoy a comfortable travel experience. The aircraft also offers an inflight entertainment system and high-speed Wi-Fi service. Business class passengers as well as AZAL Miles members with specific tier level status will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Thanks to new-generation engines and advanced aerodynamic enhancements, the Airbus A320neo significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous models.

For the first time in nearly two millennia, visitors to Rome can now walk the Secret Passage of Emperor Commodus – a hidden corridor beneath the Colosseum once reserved for emperors and cloaked in mystery, Azernews reports.

The newly restored underground tunnel, dating back to the 2nd century AD, was designed to allow Roman emperors discreet access to the heart of the Flavian Amphitheater. The passage retains traces of its ancient grandeur, including fragments of marble paneling, faded frescoes of wild boar hunts, and mythological scenes depicting Dionysus and Ariadne.

Opening to the public for the first time since the time of Caesar, this exclusive corridor – known as the Passage of Commodus – is now part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Guided visits are available to small groups (up to eight people) every Monday and Wednesday at 1 p.m., with tickets requiring advance booking through the park’s official website. Currently, a 30-meter section of the corridor is accessible, with restoration work underway to extend it to 55 meters by 2026.

‘This is an extraordinary rediscovery,’ said Alfonsina Russo, director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum. ‘After 2,000 years, the world can once again witness a hidden gem of ancient Roman architecture. What was once known only to archaeologists and scholars is now revealed to the public.’

Built beneath the southern stands of the Colosseum shortly after the amphitheater’s inauguration in 80 AD, the corridor follows an S-shaped route, cleverly concealed from public view. Scholars continue to debate whether it was linked to the Ludus Magnus (the gladiator training school) or extended toward the Caelian Hill, one of Rome’s legendary seven hills.

Named after Emperor Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 180 to 192 AD, the passage evokes the atmosphere of ancient imperial power. Commodus was notorious for his obsession with gladiatorial combat and is said to have entered the arena himself, disguised as a gladiator. Now, visitors can retrace his footsteps, imagining the emperor emerging from the shadows to take his place in the royal box.

Though much of the original marble cladding was stripped away by looters over the centuries, traces remain, along with painted plaster later added by workers. Restorers have uncovered barely visible hunting scenes, mythological murals, and symbols believed to reflect the imperial cult.

To enhance the experience, a new LED lighting system brings the space to life, casting mythological hues across the walls. Using QR code projections, visitors can view digitally reconstructed frescoes, offering a glimpse into the artistic splendor once hidden beneath the Colosseum’s foundations.

This rare opening not only enriches the visitor experience but also strengthens Rome’s mission to blend heritage preservation with modern technology. As Russo put it, ‘This passage isn’t just a physical space – it’s a journey into the imagination and inner world of the Roman emperors.’

The long and bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas may finally see a turning point. Between the days of October 8 and 10, 2025, Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas reached an agreement on the first stage of a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The negotiations, held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, were mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Trkiye.

The agreement, which took effect with a ceasefire on Friday, has already allowed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza after months of blockade and devastation. As part of phase one, Hamas is set to release 20 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of several others, while Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and an additional 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

According to the plan, Israel will withdraw its forces to a designated line, retaining control over about half of Gaza, and a multinational monitoring force led by the United States will oversee the ceasefire. The force will include contingents from Trkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, marking the first multinational peace monitoring presence in the Strip.

President Trump described the development as a ‘historic step toward lasting peace in the Middle East.’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it ‘a great day for Israel’ and thanked Trump for his mediation efforts. Hamas also confirmed its commitment to the deal, emphasizing the ceasefire, humanitarian access, and prisoner exchanges as core components.

While this agreement represents a significant diplomatic achievement, deep uncertainty remains over later stages of the plan. Israel insists that Hamas must disarm and renounce control of Gaza, while Hamas continues to demand the establishment of a Palestinian state before laying down its arms. The ambiguity over troop withdrawals and Gaza’s future governance raises the risk of renewed clashes if either side feels betrayed or cornered during upcoming negotiations, and simply raises the question, will the war really be over this time?

Azerbaijan’s participation

The South Caucasus, long seen as a crossroads between the Middle East and Central Asia, has often been relegated to the status of a periphery, a region on the margins of global power games. Whether viewed from Moscow, Brussels, Beijing, or Tehran, the South Caucasus is frequently cast in a supporting role. But perhaps it’s time to rethink this narrative. Rather than lament its peripheral status, the region could embrace its unique position as a bridge between worlds, one whose strategic value is only growing in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

Since the early 1990s, the South Caucasus has witnessed a steady rise in engagement from Middle Eastern countries. Now, the region stands at a pivotal moment-emerging as a key player in the wider Middle East, both politically and economically. High-profile meetings like the Abu Dhabi talks between Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders, surging trade volumes, and a flurry of diplomatic visits all signal the South Caucasus’s growing relevance. These developments challenge old assumptions and invite us to see the region not as a remote outpost, but as an increasingly vital hub at the heart of Eurasian affairs.

Amid this shifting geopolitical landscape, Azerbaijan’s invitation to the upcoming ‘Middle East Peace Plan’ summit, initiated by the United States, stands as an important diplomatic milestone. President Ilham Aliyev’s current visit to Egypt coincides with the summit’s preparatory phase, underscoring Azerbaijan’s growing reputation as a credible and balanced actor in global affairs.

This development might surprise some international observers, yet it aligns perfectly with Azerbaijan’s long-standing foreign policy, one built on pragmatism, neutrality, and constructive engagement. Over the years, Baku has managed to preserve strong relations with both Muslim and Western countries, including Israel, without compromising its principles or values.

Although Azerbaijan has occasionally faced biased criticism due to its close cooperation with Israel, its position on Gaza has been transparent and consistent. At the extraordinary summit of Arab and Islamic countries held in Doha, Azerbaijan supported resolutions defending the people of Gaza and calling for a just and sustainable peace. This was not mere rhetoric but a reflection of Azerbaijan’s genuine commitment to Islamic solidarity and international law.

Azerbaijan’s participation in this peace initiative further illustrates how its independent diplomacy has earned the trust of multiple power centers, Washington, Cairo, and Doha alike. By maintaining a delicate balance between East and West, between the Islamic world and its Western partners, Azerbaijan demonstrates that small states can exercise meaningful influence when guided by principle and foresight.

Why Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan, as a secular state with a predominantly Muslim population, holds a unique position that makes its growing engagement with the Middle East particularly significant. This balanced presentation of its national identity and foreign policy serves as an important example for the wider region.

Baku maintains constructive relations with all major actors across the Middle East. It enjoys a deep alliance with Trkiye, is developing strategic partnerships with Gulf states, and sustains diplomatic contacts with Iraq and Egypt. Baku also maintains multidirectional interactions with Iran while leveraging its own instruments of influence, and continues its strategic cooperation with Israel.

The country’s activity in Syria, meanwhile, opens a new chapter, providing the country with an opportunity to operate ‘on the ground’ for the first time and to play the role of both mediator and active participant in emerging multilateral frameworks.

The invitation itself is a signal of confidence from the international community, not only in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic professionalism but also in its ability to bridge divides. As President Aliyev has often underlined, ‘Our foreign policy is based on balance and respect, not confrontation.’ The same approach that helped secure stability in the South Caucasus is now being recognized in the Middle East.

For Washington, Azerbaijan’s involvement adds a layer of legitimacy to the process, particularly within the Muslim world, where skepticism toward U.S.-led initiatives remains strong. For the Islamic community, it highlights that a nation can be both a partner of the West and a defender of Muslim causes – a stance that reflects the nuanced diplomacy Baku has cultivated.

In essence, Azerbaijan’s growing diplomatic footprint symbolizes a new model of engagement: independent yet cooperative, principled yet pragmatic. At a time when polarization dominates global politics, Baku’s ability to engage with diverse partners, from the United States to Israel, from Egypt to Qatar underscores the value of strategic flexibility and credibility.

The coming days will reveal whether Trump’s ambitious plan can deliver lasting peace or merely another temporary truce. But one fact is already clear, Azerbaijan’s presence at the table signals that its voice is now heard far beyond the borders of the South Caucasus.

Ultimately, the priority for Azerbaijan is to minimize risks while capitalizing on new opportunities. If the course of history draws the country more deeply into the Middle East’s evolving dynamics, the most effective approach is a pragmatic one, to make the best use of its diplomatic flexibility and pursue policies grounded in national interest.

According to the press center of the State Border Service, Azerbaijani border guards successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle narcotic substances from Iran using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on October 10, Azernews reports.

The operation was carried out by the “Horadiz” border detachment of the Border Troops Command as part of ongoing measures to strengthen the protection of the state border and combat the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

During the border search and operational measures, the UAV was intercepted, and a total of 12 kilograms and 660 grams of marijuana were detected and seized from the border area.

The State Border Service reported that operational and investigative measures related to the incident are currently underway.

Another Azerbaijani judoka has earned a medal at Lima Grand Prix 2025 in Peru, Azernews reports.

Omar Rajabli (81 kg) secured the bronze medal after defeating Ukraine’s Mykhailo Svidrak in the third-place match.

Earlier, Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg) won silver, while Konul Aliyeva (48 kg), Ruslan Pashayev, and Rashad Yelkiyev (both 66 kg) each took home bronze medals.

Some 17 judokas, (4 men and 3 women), represent Azerbaijan at the tournament.

Lima Grand Prix 2025 features 293 athletes from 49 countries, including 172 men and 121 women.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

The Dutch government has invoked the provisions of the Accessibility of Goods Act in relation to Nexperia Corporation, one of Europe’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, Azernews reports.

The decision was made “due to serious management violations” within the company, which allegedly pose risks to “the continuity and security of a critical technology supply chain” in both the Netherlands and the wider European Union.

According to an official government statement, the application of this law enables authorities to “prevent corporate decisions that could potentially harm the interests of the company or the European economy.” The government emphasized that this is “an extraordinary measure reserved for exceptional circumstances.”

Nexperia, owned by the Chinese Wingtech Group, plays a crucial role in producing microchips for the European automotive industry and consumer electronics sectors, making its stability vital for regional technological supply chains.

Over the past year, there has been increasing debate in the Netherlands and across the EU about limiting the influence of Chinese investments on critical industries. At the same time, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that Chinese companies operate in full compliance with international laws and contribute positively to the global technology ecosystem by fostering interconnectedness.

Industry experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for how European governments balance openness to foreign investment with safeguarding strategic assets, especially in sectors deemed critical to economic and technological sovereignty.

The referees for the Group 7 matches, where Araz-Nakhchivan will play in the main round of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, have been announced, Azernews reports.

These officials will oversee the team’s games as they compete in the prestigious tournament.

FIFA referees who will officiate the games are Viktor Shikh (France) Vasilika Kioulea (Wales), Aslan Qalayev (Kazakhstan), and Irmantas Kaprasovas (Lithuania). These experienced officials will ensure fair play during the matches.

The UEFA representative for the tournament will be Miodrag Radulovic (Montenegro), while Nebojša Panic (Serbia) and Sebastian Stavicki (Poland) will serve as referee inspectors, overseeing the performance of the refereeing team.

UEFA Futsal Champions League main round matches for Araz-Nakhchivan are scheduled as follows:

On October 29, they will face United Galati (Romania) at Sala Sporturilor Dunarea at 22:00.

The team will play Differdanj 03 (Luxembourg) on October 30. The game starts at 19:00.

The final match of the group will take place on November 1, when Araz-Nakhchivan will compete against Tigers Rurmond (Netherlands) at 18:00. All these matches will take place at Sala Sporturilor Dunarea.

These matches are crucial for Araz-Nakhchivan as they aim to advance further in one of the most prestigious futsal competitions in Europe.

The UEFA Futsal Champions League is an annual competition for European futsal club teams, organized by UEFA. It was originally launched as the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2001, replacing the Futsal European Clubs Championship**, an unofficial event that had been held since 1984.

The final of the inaugural edition was contested in a single match in Lisbon, while the next four editions were played over two legs. Since the 2006-07 season, the winner has been determined through a Final Four format.

In 2018, the tournament underwent a rebranding and was renamed the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

The 2025-26 UEFA Futsal Champions League marks the 40th edition of Europe’s premier futsal club competition and the 25th edition organized by UEFA. It is also the eighth season since the tournament was rebranded from the UEFA Futsal Cup to the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

Palma Futsal are the defending champions, having successfully retained their title and becoming the first club to win three consecutive UEFA futsal titles.

A total of 56 teams from 52 of the 55 UEFA member associations compete in the 2025-26 tournament.

The number of teams from each association is determined based on their UEFA futsal national team coefficients.