Don't Play with the Country's Reputation: Aras Ozbilis's Statement Addressed to the FFA President

The recent events once again revealed the deep crisis facing Armenian football. Following a devastating defeat to the Georgian national team, it was necessary to take responsibility and propose real solutions. However, the FFA leadership continues to avoid criticism and divert public attention, as it has done for years, wrote former Armenian national team player Aras Ozbilis on his Facebook page.

"Dear Armenian football fans, players, and all those concerned about the future of our football:

Recent events have once again shown the deep crisis in Armenian football. After the heavy defeat to the Georgian national team, it was necessary to take responsibility and offer real solutions. However, the FFA leadership continues to sidestep criticism and distract public attention, just as it has for years.

The football community—fans and professionals in the field—has been demanding the resignation of FFA President Armen Melikbekyan for a considerable time. The reasons are clear: Armenian football has experienced an unprecedented decline and continues its rapid descent into despair and loss of trust.

Inadequate attention is being paid to the development of youth football. The national team, which has inspired us for years, is now in a hopeless state. Yet instead of addressing these issues, the FFA president is focused on securing a position on the UEFA executive committee—a role that currently serves only narrow personal interests, demonstrating Armen’s lack of control over the situation and a profound disregard for all our dreams and concerns.

It is deeply troubling that someone who has failed to achieve progress in Armenian football over the years now wishes to represent Armenia in European football. True leadership is defined by results, and when these are absent, resignation is the only dignified decision.

In response to fans' demands, Armen Melikbekyan's reaction was not only unexpected but also far removed from football and human reasoning. Instead of acknowledging his failures and proposing solutions, he opted to politicize the issue, claiming that the call for his resignation harms Armenia's sovereignty. This is not only misleading but also disrespectful to those who have devoted their lives to Armenian football.

Let's clarify a few points:

1. This demand has nothing to do with politics; it directly pertains to football.
2. His failure is not a personal insult but a fact confirmed by results.
3. Failing at home and striving for a position in UEFA is not progress; it is hypocrisy.

If Melikbekyan is truly concerned about Armenian football, he must accept his failures, resign, and allow a new leadership to take responsibility. Football is not a political stance; it is about results, development, and providing opportunities for our young players.

The only question remains: Does he have enough dignity to accept this reality? Change is inevitable. Armenian football and our fans deserve the best.

In the end, do not play with the country's reputation. Your actions are harming football and the country," wrote Ozbilis.