UEFA.com: "All change in Azerbaijan"

New faces
Azerbaijan's foremost clubs, who are now embarking on their European campaigns, were the most active sides in the transfer market this summer. FK Baku signed Cristian Ionescu of Romania, Croatian midfielder Darko Jovandic, Guinean striker Pathe Bangoura and Georgian forward George Megreladze. FK Karabakh also added to their numbers, recruiting Khalig Mardanov, Samir Abbasov and Kanan Kerimov, all three of whom are well-known in Azerbaijan.

Sea changes
Meanwhile, top-flight newcomers FK Gilan and FK Simurg made some fundamental changes to their set-up, Gilan moving ground from Khanlar to Gabala, and Simurg seeing fit to replace their coach. The Zagataly-based outfit will now be guided by 46-year-old Ukrainian tactician Roman Pokora.

Foreign ruling
In April, the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan decided to restrict the number of foreign players in the national league. Only three foreigners per team will be allowed on the pitch at any one time, while two more will be permitted to be among the substitutes. Previously, five foreigners could play at the same time for each side and the country's leading clubs are strongly against the move. Baku vice-president Nail Aliyev has even threatened to withdraw from the championship.

Foreign envoys
Local heroes Rashad Sadygov and Dmitry Kramarenko will both play abroad once again this season. Azerbaijan captain Sadygov, who was loaned to PFC Neftchi during the second half of last season, has returned to Kayserispor and has already taken part in two UEFA Intertoto Cup matches for the Turkish side. Experienced goalkeeper Kramarenko will be in Russia with FC Terek.

Neftchi newcomer
MKT Araz Imishli endured a disappointing UEFA Intertoto Cup debut. After winning their first-round home leg 1-0 against Moldova's FC Tiraspol, they were defeated 2-0 and bowed out of the competition. Elsewhere, the surprise news was the appointment of Gurban Gurbanov as Neftchi boss. Following the departure of Agasalim Mirdjavadov, it was anticipated that Neftchi would opt for an experienced coach. However, the job was handed to the 34-year-old, who only finished his playing career last season.

/www.uefa.com/