Garabagh FK midfielder Marko Jankovic has been handed an eight-match suspension following a decision by the AFFA Disciplinary Committee. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Aghdam-based club has also been subjected to heavy financial penalties exceeding 70,000 manats.
The sanctions follow the second leg of the Bizon Azerbaijan Cup semi-final between Sabah and Garabagh, held on April 22, 2026. According to the committee's findings, Jankovic received a second yellow card for protesting a referee's decision, subsequently attempting to exert physical pressure and issuing threats against the official in the corridor. As a result, the player is banned for eight matches, and Garabagh has been fined 25,500 manats under articles 45.3, 51.2, 53.3, and 87.1 of the disciplinary code.
The disciplinary measures extended to other members of the Garabagh staff and fans. Coach Huseyn Seyidov received a six-match ban and an 18,000 manat fine for insulting and attempting to physically pressure the referee. Staff member Ilgar Shamilov was suspended for five matches with an 8,000 manat fine for similar conduct. Furthermore, goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski received a one-match ban and a 1,000 manat fine for a professional foul that denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The club faced additional fines for fan misconduct, including 7,000 manats for pyrotechnics, 8,000 manats for mass offensive chanting, and 5,000 manats for the destruction of 70 stadium seats, the cost of which must be reimbursed by the club.
Sabah FK also faced disciplinary actions, including a 6,500 manat fine for a pitch invasion by a spectator and various penalties for pyrotechnics and objects thrown onto the field by supporters. In total, Sabah was fined over 12,000 manats for these infractions and for having five players cautioned during the match.
Garabagh FK, which represents the city of Aghdam, is Azerbaijan's most successful football club in the modern era, frequently representing the nation in the group stages of European competitions. The Azerbaijan Cup remains a prestigious domestic trophy, and the intensity of the semi-final stage often leads to heightened emotions. The AFFA Disciplinary Committee maintains strict oversight to ensure the integrity of the game and the safety of officials and spectators in Azerbaijan's professional leagues.
