Konstantin Genich, a Russian journalist and sports commentator has been denied accreditation to cover the UEFA European Championship by Azerbaijan’s organizing committee over his visits to the Republic of Artsakh.
Genich initially received a letter from UEFA confirming his accreditation, but before he would get the ID he received a call from Baku, one of the host cities of the tournament.
Genich participated in the CIS and Baltic countries football tournament Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2009, which was the reason for reversing the accreditation.
“I don’t really understand why mix politics and sports, especially on the opening day of the championship. I hope my issue will be resolved, and my accreditation will be confirmed, I will still be able to get it and work on this Euro. Well, if not … Baku, alas, I am disappointed,” said Genich on Telegram.
Russian-Armenian journalist Nobel Arustamyan was also denied accreditation by Baku due to his visits to Artsakh. He was later gained accreditation.
