Monument to Tofiq Bahramov, Monument in Azerbaijan
The Monument to Tofiq Bahramov is a stone sculpture in Baku located near the Republican Stadium's training center. The statue depicts him standing with an outstretched arm in a gesture as if pointing toward the playing field.
The monument was unveiled in 2004 following a design competition and unveiled just before an Azerbaijan versus England football match. The opening ceremony drew international attention when Geoff Hurst, the English player from the historic moment, revealed the statue himself.
The monument honors a figure whom Azerbaijan considers a national sports hero and symbol of integrity. Visitors can sense how locals hold deep respect for someone whose decisions were trusted by players and fans across different countries and generations.
The monument is located in a central accessible spot near the Republican Stadium, making it easy to visit when exploring the stadium area. The surrounding space is well-maintained with benches nearby where visitors can pause to view and photograph the sculpture.
This was the first monument in the world dedicated to a referee, and its significance was underscored by Geoff Hurst's presence at the unveiling ceremony. Years later, Hurst returned to the statue in 2011 to honor Bahramov's legacy again, demonstrating the ongoing international recognition of his impact.
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