CSKA plays Qarabag in the second qualifying round of the Europa League at a stadium named after the famous referee.
Key facts
- •The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium was built in the 1950s.
- •Bahramov was an assistant referee at the 1966 World Cup final.
- •Bahramov officiated the 1972 UEFA Cup final between Wolverhampton and Tottenham.
- •A statue of Bahramov stands outside the stadium in Baku.
- •Margaret Thatcher met with Bahramov during a visit to Baku in the early 1990s.
CSKA faces Qarabag tonight in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. The match takes place at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. The stadium has carried the name of the former football referee since 1993.
The Stadium's Namesake
Tofiq Bahramov was a Soviet referee who gained international fame as an assistant during the 1966 World Cup final in England. During the match, he signaled to referee Gottfried Dienst that a shot by Geoff Hurst had crossed the goal line, allowing England to take a 3-2 lead against West Germany. This incident remains one of the most debated moments in football history.
Career and Legacy
In 1972, Bahramov became the first referee from the USSR to officiate a European club tournament final, overseeing the first leg of the UEFA Cup between Wolverhampton and Tottenham. A statue of Bahramov stands near the stadium in Baku. The site has been visited by figures including Geoff Hurst, goalkeeper Hans Tilkowski, and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Sportal.bg.
