Ex-FFA chief: Armenian national team's morale at rock bottom

Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan, a former National Security Service director and ex-president of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), attributes the national football team's recent failures to political factors.

"I've always said that Nikol Pashinyan is a symbol of endless failures. As long as he remains in power, Armenia will not achieve success anywhere," Vanetsyan stated in an interview with 24News on Monday.

He pointed out that football fans have long been demanding the resignation of FFA President Armen Melikbekyan, but there has been no response. Vanetsyan recalled his own resignation, saying he stepped down voluntarily to prevent politics from harming Armenian football.

Citing people familiar with the matter, he stated that the national team's morale "is at rock bottom", with internal divisions preventing teamwork. "Success in football is only possible through unity," he said.

Vanetsyan also emphasized the absence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a top player who brought stability to the team. He accused the current authorities of failing in all areas, including football, without making any effort to improve the situation.