European soccer could see more disruption from Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict over disputed region
The groups are displayed on the video screen following the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League group stage draw at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Daniel Cole]
GENEVA (AP) — International soccer games could again be affected by the territorial dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia that reignited Tuesday. Norwegian team Molde was traveling to Azerbaijan two days ahead of a scheduled game in the Europa League against Qarabag. As Molde was in transit Azerbaijan launched what it called an “anti-terrorist operation” targeting Armenian military positions in Nagorno-Karabakh. UEFA said it is “monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the host association” of Azerbaijan. Last week, Armenia’s European Championship qualifier was paused because a drone carrying a breakaway flag was flown above the players.
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