Pyunik FC Bars Former Youth Players Who Transferred to Other Clubs from Training Ground Access

Yerevan’s Pyunik Football Club has barred several of its former youth players from entering its training ground after they transferred to other clubs. The decision has sparked widespread debate within the Armenian football community, with many questioning the ethics and fairness of such an action. Former journalist Haykaz Mkrtchyan first brought attention to the issue by sharing the news on social media, accompanied by a picture of the banned players, many of whom are minors.

The affected players are former members of Pyunik’s youth teams who have decided to pursue their football careers elsewhere, with most moving to FC Noah. As per football regulations, Pyunik received the appropriate compensation for their transfers. However, Pyunik’s management allegedly declared these young players "undesirable persons" and posted their pictures at the training ground, banning them from the premises.

Mkrtchyan criticized Pyunik’s decision, describing it as "disgraceful" and urging the club to reverse the ban. He stressed that the move goes against ethical norms, especially since the players are minors. Mkrtchyan emphasized that footballers often switch clubs for various reasons, and no player is obligated to stay loyal to any one team indefinitely. He expressed hope that Pyunik would reconsider its stance and called on the club's fans to voice their opinions on the matter.

The controversy deepened when Anna Ohanyan, the Development Director of FC Noah, issued a statement to The Armenian Report, condemning Pyunik’s actions. Ohanyan emphasized the targeting of minor football players and called the ban a violation of children’s rights. "Such targeting of minor football players and violation of children's rights is unacceptable for us. This is beyond the limits of all moral and ethical norms," Ohanyan stated.

She also clarified that FC Noah had registered the athletes in accordance with legal procedures and had paid the required training compensations to Pyunik. Ohanyan stressed that Noah FC provides excellent conditions for its players, including strong coaching staff, top-notch facilities, and a positive morale. “We provide the best conditions for our football players: programs for the creation of the best substructures, high-quality coaching staff, sports technical equipment, remuneration, a healthy morale-psychological atmosphere," she said.

Ohanyan also reassured the affected players and their families that FC Noah is prepared to offer legal support and see the matter through in court if necessary. She expressed her club’s commitment to standing by the players and their parents. Ohanyan concluded her statement with an expression of goodwill, saying that FC Noah would be proud of its players’ future successes, even if they moved to other clubs: “If they move to other clubs and register success in their football career, we will only share the joy and follow the achievements.”

This situation has raised serious concerns about the treatment of young athletes and the responsibilities of football clubs. In professional sports, it is not uncommon for players to switch clubs as part of their career development. However, banning young players from returning to their previous training grounds—especially after their transfers were carried out legally—has been seen by many as an overreach by Pyunik.

The decision could have broader consequences for Pyunik's reputation, particularly as a youth development club. If young players and their families feel that moving to other clubs might result in punitive actions, it could deter future talent from joining Pyunik. Additionally, the legal implications of barring minors from a sports facility based on a career decision could place Pyunik in a difficult position if the matter escalates to court.

The Armenian football community is now closely following this controversy, as it could have lasting effects on how youth players are treated across the country. Ohanyan's statement from FC Noah suggests that the issue may be headed to the courts, which could set a precedent for future cases of player transfers.

Pyunik has yet to make an official statement regarding the controversy or explain its decision to ban the young players. Meanwhile, FC Noah has firmly positioned itself as an advocate for the rights of its athletes, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and ethical conduct in youth sports.

For now, the football community waits to see how Pyunik will respond to the growing criticism and whether this decision will be reversed. Regardless of the outcome, the incident has already sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of clubs in nurturing young talent and the ethical boundaries they must observe in player management.