The air is thick with frustration in Azerbaijan’s football circles. Whispers are turning into shouts, and it seems coach Fernando Santos might be on the shortest leash in international football. This week’s brutal 5-0 loss to Iceland, kicking off the 2026 World Cup qualification phase, has sent shockwaves through the national team.
Jahangir Farajullayev, the Secretary-General of the Azeri Football Federation, didn’t pull any punches. He launched a scathing attack on the seasoned Portuguese coach. Farajullayev made it crystal clear: if Santos doesn’t walk away on his own terms, the federation plans to force his hand. This isn’t a subtle hint; it’s a public ultimatum.
“There’s nothing to say, but at the same time I want to say a lot,” Farajullayev began, setting a tense tone. “These players don’t deserve such management and results.” He pointed fingers directly at the coach’s approach. “We respect the opponent. But if we play like this and stay in defense from the first minutes, those are our problems.” Farajullayev felt “the system was chosen incorrectly.” He added that “the coach did not do his homework” and even accused Santos of an “incorrect attitude towards Azerbaijan’s football and its people.” He hoped Santos would “take responsibility” after the post-match press conference. “We don’t need such cowardly football,” he declared. The message was unmistakable: “If the coach does not resign, we will take measures. We are waiting for the right decision from him.”
However, reports suggest Fernando Santos isn’t planning a graceful exit. According to ‘AzeriSport,’ the coach has already made up his mind not to step down voluntarily. This sets the stage for a dramatic standoff.
Should the federation decide to terminate his contract, it won’t be cheap. Santos reportedly expects a compensation package of around 2 million euros. And he’s not about to give up that money. The financial stakes just got higher for all involved.
Santos only took the reins of the Azerbaijan national team last year. He signed a three-year deal, meaning his contract is set to run until 2027. His tenure, barely a year old, is now under immense pressure following this devastating start to the World Cup qualifiers.
