The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) has voted to eliminate Armenian language proficiency and residency requirements for presidential and Executive Committee candidates, approving controversial amendments ahead of its December leadership election.
The changes passed during an extraordinary assembly on November 4, with 29 votes in favor and just two against. FC Ararat-Armenia and FC Urartu were the only clubs to vote against the amendments, according to Sputnik Armenia.
Candidates will no longer be required to speak Armenian or have permanently resided in Armenia during the preceding year.
The decision follows accusations that the amendments were designed to clear the way for a specific presidential candidate, amid speculation surrounding French-Armenian football official Denis Djorkaeff.
FC Ararat-Armenia had publicly opposed the changes, particularly the removal of the Armenian language requirement, questioning why the federation was rewriting its election rules shortly before the vote.
The amendments come as incumbent FFA president Armen Melikbekyan prepares to step down, having announced that he will not seek another term in December.
