Registration
Participant check-in and networking opportunity before the official program.
Opening Ceremony
Opening Speech:
Mr. Jahangir Farajullayev - General Secretary of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)
A formal welcome and strategic positioning of Football Conference Baku on the international football business map.
Priorities in Football Development
Moderator:
Dr. Erden Or — Coordinator / Acıbadem Sports Academy
Speakers:
Frank Ludolph — Technical Adviser, UEFA
Dr. Mustafa Erogut — Former Vice President Turkish Football Federation & Istanbul Basaksehir Football Club
Elchin Mammadov — AFFA Deputy General Secretary
A discussion on the key priorities shaping football development today, from federation leadership to long-term strategy. The session explores how governance, youth development and structural planning influence the sustainable growth of football.
Coffee Break
Using complimentary coffee break time with full of networking opportunities
Book Launch — The Book of Scouting – Volume One
Speaker:
Tarkan Batgun — CEO / Comparisonator
Tarkan Batgun introduces The Book of Scouting – Volume One, a new work exploring modern scouting, recruitment and the role of data and artificial intelligence in football decision-making, featuring insights from leading professionals across global football.
Please visit amazon website to purchase the book of scouting volume one
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0GTLCP8N2
Secrets of Scouting and Transfers
Moderator:
Tarkan Batgun — CEO / Comparisonator
Speakers:
Nicola Innocentin — Former Sports Director / Al Fateh
Steven Vanharen — Sporting Director / Győr ETO FC
Aktug Sonmez — Sport Republic / Türkiye Market Leader
Fernando Matos — Chief Scout / FC Famalicão
Moderated by Tarkan Batgun, this session brings together Nicolo Innocentin, Steven Vanharen, Aktug Sonmez and Fernando Matos to discuss modern scouting, transfer strategies and how clubs identify and secure talent in today’s evolving football landscape.
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
Competition or Collaboration between Player Agents
Moderator:
PhD.c Said Baghirov — CEO & Founder / QOLAT Sport Service & Football Agency
Speakers:
Mert Boztepe - MBA, FIFA Licensed Football Agent
David Akhalkatsi - DA 8 Sport / FIFA Licensed Football Agent
A discussion on the dynamics between football agents in the modern transfer market. The session explores when competition drives better opportunities for players and clubs, and when collaboration between agents becomes necessary to complete complex international transfers.
Coffee Break
Coffee Break
The Invisible Hand: Leading Coaches and Players in Modern Football
Moderator:
Tarkan Batgun — CEO / Comparisonator
Speakers:
Dr. Erkut Sogut — Managing Director / D.C. United
Isitan Gun — Former Chairman / Fortuna Sittard
Jordi Gratacos - UEFA Pro License Coach / Former Sports Director FC Barcelona Academy
Fuat Capa - Sporst Director / Samsunspor / Turkish Super League Team
A discussion on the hidden leadership dynamics within football teams. The session explores how coaches, influential players and key figures inside clubs shape decision-making, team culture and performance beyond what is visible on the pitch.
Gala Dinner & Coctail
Gala Dinner & Coctail
Great networking night.
Football in the Region
Moderator:
Dr. Erden Or — Coordinator, Acıbadem Sports Academy
Speakers:
Said Baghirov PhD.c — CEO & Founder, QOLAT Sport Service & Football Agency
A discussion on the future development of football in the region. The session explores regional cooperation between clubs and federations, talent development pathways and the strategic growth of football across in the regional ecosystem.
Coffe Break
Coffe Break
From Boardroom to Pitch: Governing the Modern Transfer Market
Moderator:
Tarkan Batgun — CEO, Comparisonator
Speakers:
Isitan Gun — Former Chairman, Fortuna Sittard
Dr. Mustafa Erogut — Former Vice President, Turkish Football Federation & Istanbul Başakşehir
Dr. Erkut Sogut — Managing Director / D.C. United
A discussion on how transfer decisions are shaped across football’s leadership layers—from boardroom strategy to on-pitch realities. The session explores governance, financial considerations, sporting priorities and legal frameworks influencing the modern transfer market.
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
AI & Data Revolution in Football
Moderator:
Dr. Erden Or — Coordinator, Acıbadem Sports Academy
Speakers:
Tarkan Batgun — CEO, Comparisonator
Nicola Innocentin — Former Sporting Director, Al Fateh
Fuat Capa - Sports Director / Samsunspor / Turkish Premier League Team
A discussion on how artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming football decision-making, from scouting and recruitment to player development and performance evaluation.
Coffee Break
Coffee Break
Physical Demands of Modern Football
Moderator:
Dr. Erden Or — Coordinator / Acıbadem Sports Academy
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Türker Bıyıklı — Clinical Exercise Physiologist & Strength and Conditioning Coach
Fernando Matos — Chief Scout / FC Famalicão
Ulian Goga - Physical Coach at FC Imishli / Azerbaijan Premier League Team
Chris Barnes , MSc, MBA , FBASES - UEFA Performance Consultant
A discussion on the increasing physical and performance demands of modern football. The session explores conditioning, recovery strategies and workload management required to sustain elite performance in modern football.
Sustainability in Football
Moderator:
Said Baghirov PhD.c. - Founder at QOLAT Sport Service
Speakers:
Kifayat Mustafayeva - Head of the Social & Enviromental Sustainability Division at AFFA
Shabnam Ayyubova - Lead Specialist in Social & Enviromental Sustainability at AFFA
Sustainability in Football refers to building a game that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable for the future. It includes reducing carbon impact, promoting community engagement, and ensuring long-term stability of clubs and organizations.
At Football Conference Baku, a dedicated session on Sustainability in Football will bring together experts to discuss how the game can evolve responsibly while creating lasting value for both society and the football industry.
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
