You Cannot Hold the Europa League Final: Utkin Addresses Azerbaijan

Russian sports commentator Vasily Utkin has commented on the fact that the final of the Europa League 2018-19 season will be held in Baku. He addressed the situation surrounding Armenian national team and Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan on a radio program. It is still uncertain whether the Armenian player will be able to participate in the final against Chelsea on May 29.

"The authorities of Azerbaijan need to set aside political conflict and territorial disputes. If, despite all this, Azerbaijan aims to host such an event, they need to consider that, maybe... For instance, if the referee appointed for the match was an Armenian from France, if they are not ready to take the necessary security measures in such cases, then they should not hold such an event, you cannot, don’t do it," Utkin stated, adding that Mkhitaryan is a world-class football player.

Arsenal is doing everything possible to ensure that Mkhitaryan is with the team for the final. The Gunners have made special requests to UEFA.