Azerbaijan FA chief makes statement on Henrikh Mkhitaryan issue ahead of UEL final

Azerbaijan FA chief Elkhan Mammadov has told Daily Mail Arsenal and Armenian national team midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is free to play in Europa League final in Baku. Arsenal will face Chelsea in capital city of Azerbaijan. And Gunners have issue on Mkhitaryan because of the conflict between the host country (Azerbaijan) and the country of Mkhitaryan (Armenia).

"Certainly we have been discussing this issue. Our state authorities have provided all of the guarantee letters to UEFA in accordance to the request from UEFA and Arsenal." Mammadov said.

"Actually this was a part of the process prioritised when Arsenal qualified that has been discussed with UEFA. All the necessary documentation and safety and security from the state has been provided.

"There will not be any problem for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to travel to Baku." he has added.

UEFA have earlier made a statement over the situation. “Assurances were sought on this matter by UEFA and Arsenal FC, with the Azerbaijan Football Association confirming that there would be no problem for the player in question to enter and stay in Azerbaijan and that all necessary security measures would be in place,” UEFA said in emailed comments. However, despite all these assurances, Armenian international could still miss the match. Source - Daily Mail

Jermaine Jenas explains why Tottenham will be much stronger next season