Fox Sports
Oct 2 2018
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has withdrawn from Arsenal’s Europa League clash against Qarabag in Azerbaijan
October 2, 2018 4:03am
Source: FOX SPORTS
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has pulled out of Arsenal's trip to Azerbaijan.Source: Getty Images
HENRIKH Mkhitaryan has pulled out of Arsenal’s trip to Azerbaijan this week over security fears.
And the issue could mean the star misses out on a possible appearance in the Europa League Final should the Gunners get there.
The midfielder has decided not to play in the Europa League tie against Qarabag in Baku due to the ongoing conflict between the country and his Armenia homeland.
Armenians are banned from entering Azerbaijan, with the Center for political Freddom stating: “Citizens of the Republic of Armenia, as well as citizens of any other country who are of Armenian descent, are forbidden entry to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
“If a person’s passport shows any evidence of travel to Nagorno-Karabakh, barring a diplomatic passport, they are forbidden entry to the Republic of Azerbaijan.”
UEFA did confirm last month the 29-year-old Mkhitaryan would have no issues getting a visa, saying: “It is a standard procedure for UEFA to send letters of support to associations, clubs or embassies in order to obtain visa for players in order to be able to travel to another country and play in UEFA competition matches.”
Arsenal boss Unai Emery was also keen on having the winger available for selection, adding: “I would like that he can [travel] with us. And this problem, if we can together arrange [a solution], it’s better. But I have not yet spoken with him.”
However Mkhitaryan, who played in the Gunners’ 4-2 victory over Vorskla in their group opener, has taken the decision to stay in England.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/henrikh-mkhitaryan-has-withdrawn-from-arsenals-europa-league-clash-against-qarabag-in-azerbaijan/news-story/0aa78f723beef7eb0a56e8a96025a9f6
But with the final of the competition taking place in Baku next May, last season’s semi-finalists could face a huge problem if they go one step further this time around.
Relations continue to be tricky between Armenia and Azerbaijan amid the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Tensions have heightened after further border clashes with reported deaths of Nagorno-Karabakh soldiers from Azerbaijani fire.
Despite the ban, the Azeri government do grant exceptions to the law and did so for Mkhitaryan while he was Dortmund.
Back in 2015 the authorities provided the German club and UEFA a guarantee he would be granted a visa after Dortmund were drawn against Gabala.
But he failed to travel due to concerns from his club.
This story originally appeared in The Sun.