Armenian football scandal: Urartu condemns officiating after defeat

Urartu FC issued a strongly worded statement following their 3-1 home defeat to Alashkert in the Fastex Premier League’s 22nd round on Sunday, denouncing what they described as “unacceptable refereeing standards” that undermined the integrity of the competition.

Urartu General Director David Shakhbagyan declared that the club “does not accept the result” of the match, insisting it was shaped by “serious refereeing errors” rather than fair play. He accused the Football Federation of Armenia of failing to take decisive action to improve officiating, warning that repeated mistakes risk eroding trust in the league’s transparency and fairness.

Urartu finished with nine men after Aleksandar Mišić was dismissed with a straight red card in the 43rd minute, and Narek Aghasaryan received a second yellow in stoppage time. Alashkert capitalised on their numerical advantage to secure victory.

Urartu’s statement demanded immediate reforms, including higher refereeing standards, clear accountability mechanisms, and impartial treatment of all clubs. “Justice cannot be selective,” the director insisted. “Winners must be decided on the pitch, not through refereeing mistakes.”