Neftçi PFK

Soviet era (1937–1991)

Neftchi were founded in 1937.

World-famous referee Tofiq Bahramov originally played for Neftchi but a serious leg injury prevented him from continuing his playing career and he became a referee.

Domestic hegemony (1991–2012)

They won the first independent Azeri championship in 1992, and then won further titles in 1995/96 and 1996/97.

In 2006, Neftchi managed to win the CIS Cup after defeating Kaunas in the final. In European competitions, the club also have advanced to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League twice, having defeated Bosnian champions – Široki Brijeg – and Icelandic champions – FH Hafnarfjarðar – in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

A long period of decline followed the success of the 2005 to the end of the decade. Despite the appointment of famous names such as Gurban Gurbanov, Vlastimil Petržela, Anatoliy Demyanenko and Hans-Jürgen Gede, the club did not achieve any success and squandered large sums of money on unsuccessful signings.

Things changed to positive in December 2009, when the club's control was given to Sadıq Sadıqov. The takeover was immediately followed by a flurry of bids for high-profile international players such as Bahodir Nasimov, Nicolás Canales, Flavinho, Bruno Bertucci, Eric Ramos, Igor Mitreski and Julius Wobay.

In May 2011, coached by Arif Asadov, the club won its sixth championship title. Asadov also become first person in Azerbaijan to win the league title as a coach and football player.

In the 2011–12 season, Boyukagha Hajiyev guided Neftchi to another domestic success as club become champions for seventh time in their history. In November 2011, Neftchi celebrated its 1000th victory in official games and 1000th goal, which is scored by Araz Abdullayev.

European breakthrough (2012–present)

In 2012, Neftchi qualified for the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League group stage, being the first Azerbaijani team to advance to this stage in a European competition. Neftchi managed to get three points in six matches, drawing with Partizan both times and holding Inter Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

A third consecutive Premier League title followed in 2012–13 season. Neftchi then won the Azerbaijan Cup on 28 May 2013 to secure the domestic double. Following Neftchi's early exit from European cups, Hajiyev resigned from his post. Following defeat at 2013 Azerbaijan Supercup, Nazim Suleymanov appointed as Neftchi's new manager as Tarlan Ahmadov sacked after just three months in charge. On January 8, 2014, Suleymanov resigned as manager after transfer fund dispute. In May 2014, despite finishing fourth, Neftchi managed to win Azerbaijan Cup. In August 2014, the club reached Europa League play off round after beating Chikhura Sachkhere on aggregate.

On 2 November 2014, Neftchi's president Sadygov stated that, the club is experiencing financial difficulties. In 2015, it was announced that club will be public limited company – Neftchi PLC, while club's new president will be Chingiz Abdullayev.

Crest and colours

Neftchi's traditional kit was composed of black shirts, white shorts and socks of the same color. Although through the years these two have gone from alternating between white and black stripes. The club's kits are manufactured by Adidas and sponsored by SOCAR since 2004, a multinational oil and gas corporation from Baku.

Grounds

Neftchi Baku's home games are usually played at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku. Built by German prisoners of war in 1951 and constructed in the shape of C to honour Stalin, however it was renamed after famous football referee Tofiq Bahramov in 1993 after his death. The stadium also serves as the home ground of the Azerbaijan national football team and holds 31,200 making it the largest stadium in the country.

Neftchi's current home venue is the 11,000 capacity Bakcell Arena. It has been the club's home since the 2012–13 season.

Supporters

Neftchi Baku is one of the most supported club in Azerbaijan, with supporters organized in many fan clubs around the world, including United States, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Netherlands, and any other country with a sizeable Azerbaijani community. In 2010s, although Neftchi improved its position, the average attendance fell to record low levels.

The club's most popular celebrity supporters are the likes of actors Bahram Bagirzade, Bashir Safaroglu and Lutfali Abdullayev, composers Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov and Niyazi, judoka Ilham Zakiyev, politician Fuad Alakbarov and scientist Mirali Qashqai.

Rivalry with Khazar Lankaran

The game between Neftchi and Khazar Lankaran is one of the biggest clashes in Azerbaijan. The relationship between the two clubs has always been known for its great animosity, as the classic opposes two geographic regions – with Neftchi and Khazar Lankaran representing the north and south of Azerbaijan, respectively.

European record

As of 14 July 2016

Current squad

As of 2 February 2017

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

For recent transfers, see winter 2016 transfers and summer 2016 transfers.

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Presidential history

Neftchi has had numerous presidents over the course of its history, some of whom have been owners of the club while others have been honorary presidents. In 1988, Neftchi had registered as a professional football club and club since then had 6 presidents.

Honours

Source:

Premyer Liqa

Winners (8) : 1992, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13 Runners-up (3) : 2000–01, 2001–02, 2006–07

Cup

Winners (6) : 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2012–13, 2013–14 Runners-up (4) : 2000–01, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16

Super Cup

Winners (2) : 1993, 1995 Runners-up (1) : 2013

In popular culture

A number of television programmes have included references to Neftchi Baku over the past few decades. In the sitcom Aramizda Galsin, the character Aslan is a Neftchi supporter. Neftchi have also featured on several occasions in meykhana.