For more than two years, over 30 Azerbaijani youngsters have been training at the "Marset" Football Academy in Spain through a partnership with ASTA (Azerbaijan Sport Talents Academy). Aged 15–17, the children live at the academy, compete in youth leagues, and continue their education.

However, following the arrest of businessman Adnan Ahmadzadeh, Marset has decided to send the Azerbaijani children back home. The reason is ASTA’s failure to cover the next month’s payments. Parents have already been informed of the situation, although Marset may keep a few of the most talented players. A final decision will be made on October 1.

ASTA head Rafael Bunyatov stated that all expenses had previously been covered by Ahmadzadeh. Payments stopped after his arrest.

On September 20, the Sabail District Court ordered a four-month pre-trial detention for Ahmadzadeh, a former senior SOCAR official, who faces charges of economic sabotage and large-scale embezzlement.

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