Azerbaijan v WalesWorld cup Qualifying match

Saturday June 6, 2009 Kick off 4 pmBaku

Football Supporters’ Federation WalesFSF Cymru Issue 21

Information for Welsh fans compiled by Welsh Fans

Tofik Bakhramov Republican Stadium, Baku Stadium was built in 1952 It is named after the famous football referee, Tofik Bakhramov. The Stadium was built by German prisoners of war and constructed in the shape of C to honour Stalin, however it was renamed back to Tofik Bahramov in 1993 after his death

FSF Cymru helpline number + 44 7905 861848

Baku , one of the most beautiful cities of the world, is located at the meeting-point of Europe and Asia . The very name of the capital is interpreted as "wind blow”, “windy city” or "hill", “city on a hill”. Port city Baku , a cultural, industrial, political capital of Azerbaijan , is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea , on the shores of the same name gulf in southern part of Absheron Peninsula rich in oil deposits. Baku consists of 11 administrative districts, 5 urban settlements HistoryThe history of Baku dates back to 1st millennium BCE, first written reference to Baku dates from 885 CE. Archaeologists have found remains of a settlement dating several centuries before the Common Era.The city became important after an earthquake destroyed Shemakha and in the 12th century, leading Shirvanshah Ahistan I to made Baku the new capital. In 1501 Shah Ismail laid a siege to BakuIn 1723 Peter the Great conquered Baku , but in 1735 the city was returned to Iran ( Persia ). In 1806 Baku was finally occupied by Russia . From 1936 to 1991 Baku was the capital of Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic . Since 1991 Baku has been the capital city of independent Azerbaijan Republic .Baku is a large railway junction and port on the Caspian Sea . The capital's underground railway has been in operation since 1967.

FSF Cymru volunteers are mainly based at the Garage Bar in Nizami Street, junction of the road to the left of Gogol Avenue and Nizami Street which is close to Fountain Square and next to next to the O’Malley’s bar by the ISR Plaza. Taxi’s or transport to the game can be arranged here.

FSF HELP LINE TELEPHONE NUMBER + 44 7905 861848

Single European emergency call number 112

European citizens in distress situations are able to call 112 and get through to the emergency services in all Member States. Thus, anyone travelling within the Union has to remember only one number and this guarantees a quicker and more efficient intervention.

Welcome to Issue 21 of the FSF Cymru fans guide, we hope you find it useful.FSF Cymru will have two representatives on duty in Baku, they are both on the convoy from Cardiff to Baku by road, so will be very busy for a two week period. The contact number to get hold of the lads is as usual + 44 7905 861848. If you find yourself in any sort of serious difficulties that you require help, please contact them immediately. They have all the police and emergency contacts available and will also have access to the Welsh police and British Embassy advisors.

Vince Alm, Cardiff

Vince is on the Executive council of the Football Supporters Federation and is also the Chairman of FSF Cymru. He also works tirelessly for the Cardiff City supporters club.Vince has been organising and running Fans Embassies for Welsh fans for a good few years now and is well known amongst the fans. Vince raises thousands of pounds for charity mainly through his mountain climbs.

Neil Dymock, SwindonNeil Dymock, Swindon

Neil joined FSF Cymru about 3 years ago and his knowledge of International travel and venues is invaluable to us.

Neil produces the “Dragon as Landed” Fanzine and is on the committee of the Welsh charity “Gol” . He works tirelessly for charity and for the benefit of his fellow fans. Neil supports Llanelli football club.

Neil and Vince will be available at all times for Emergencies and you can contact them on the help line number. They will be based at the Finnegan's Irish Bar in Fountain square. and no doubt you will also see them wandering around the city, mingling with the Welsh supporters. The fans Embassy will be based at the GARAGE bar close to Fountain Square, James Ferguson owns the Garage Bar with a chap called Terry Robinson. James would be delighted to have Neil and Vince set up the Embassy for the Wales supporters. Welsh fans will be made very welcome. The Garage bar owners have raised thousands of pounds to help the local orphanages in and around Baku. Garage bar is situated at 73 Nizami street, next to the O’Malley’s bar by the ISR Plaza

Baku, the City on the Caspian sea

Night life in BakuInternational: Fountain SquareThe FSF will be based at the GARAGE bar to the left of O’Malley’s bar, next to the ISR Plaza. Address 73 Nizami street, Mobile: +99450 214 35 88.(James)You can go on a pub crawl in this area of the City, maybe starting at the Oilman's Inn, then move to Shakespeare's, then the very popular Finnegan's Irish Pub or the Australian Phoenix Bar. Expats and locals mix in this busy part of town. There are a growing number of nightclubs in Baku as western music makes an impact. Dance the night away at X-site on the waterside, or head to 1033 at the Hyatt for a more expensive night out.

Restaurants that we can recommend are Anadolu (lunch, and evening meals very good quality, value for money in Rasul Rza Street. (off the Boulevard) and quite close to the old Fishermans WharfFor those who want to actively try some genuine Azeri culture the Mugham Club is excellent, well worth the visit. (Next to the Maidens Tower) Great food and traditional entertainment...below is a photograph of FOUNTAIN SQUARE

BAKU

The monumental eight-storey Maiden's Tower (Gyz-Galasy) is built into the 12th-century defensive walls of Baku, with panoramic views from the top. Local legends of princesses imprisoned in the tower explain its original name, Qýz, Göz Qalasý or Kyz Kalasy, meaning "Eye Tower".

The tower is thought to date from much earlier than the 12th century. However, even if its current rotunda, buttressed by a spur or tail on its Caspian Sea side (it looks like a "Q" from the air), does not date to the first millennium BC, there were certainly defences on the site as far back as then.

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, retains its impressive 12th-century walled city, nestled on the curve of the Caspian Sea. Many architectural gems lurk behind the walls to thrill visitors, while the modern city surrounds it.Advertisement Within its walls the old city, Icheri Sheher, includes Baku's oldest building, the Synyk Kalah Minaret, which dates from 1093, one of the city's most distinctive buildings, the Maiden's Tower, and the glories of the 15th-century Shirvanshah Palace.

Baku's National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature is housed in a special building, surrounded by sculptures of outstanding Azerbaijani authors. Inside, its 23 rooms include manuscripts, lithographs and first editions as well as coin and art collections.Advertisement Founded in 1939 in readiness for the poet's 800th anniversary, the National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature was originally solely devoted to the life and times of Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209). Persian literature's greatest romantic epic poet spent most of his life in Azerbaijan. It was not actually opened to the public until 1945, and by 1967 the remit had grown to cover other national authors.

The Shirvanshah Palace marked the creation of Baku as the capital of the Shirvan Shahs. In addition to the UNESCO heritage-listed two-storey palace, there is a mausoleum, palace mosque and minaret, the stone pavilion Divankhana, and a bath house. Shirvanshah Palace was built within the 12th-century medieval walls, when they were already some 300 years old. Started in 1411 by Sheykh Ibrahim I, the complex was later abandoned but still retains many features. The eastern gate, built in 1585, was named after Ottoman Sultan Murad III when Baku changed hands yet again.

FSF Cymru helpline number + 44 7905 861848

Information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Know before you go is a service provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth office. It is current information as of May 2009. Below you will find the advice and guidance provided by the FCO.

We advise against all travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the military occupied area surrounding it.Azerbaijan faces a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets and places frequented by foreigners.Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Azerbaijan have led to a small number of human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2006You should avoid any political rallies or public gatherings of a political nature.The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2007 was replacing lost and stolen passports. Crime against foreigners is generally low, but does occur.For identification purposes you should carry the correct form of document at all timesWe strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Crime

Visitors to Azerbaijan are generally welcomed. Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur from time to time after dark in the centre of town around the western bars and clubs. Some incidents have also occurred near dimly lit entrances of private apartments.

You should take sensible precautions: be vigilant, avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t walk alone at night indark and unlit streets. You should ideally arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as

When travelling internationally, carry your passport even if you don't need one (it's always the best form of I.D.) and make two photocopies of the data page (one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the local police.Contact the FSF Cymru volunteers is you require assistance with this..BRITISH EMBASSY PICTURE BELOW

dark and unlit streets. You should ideally arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible by a reliable driver.

a private or company driver or a taxi and driver known personally to you or one accredited to the hotel you are staying in You should report any crimes to the local police station. Alternatively you can contact the Police Office of Crimes By and Against Foreigners on 490 9532 or 490 9452 out of office hours. When making a report to the Police take someone with you, preferably your company representative or someone who you know and can translate for you. Do not sign any documents you do not understand.

Corruption is an every day aspect of life in Azerbaijan, despite regulations prohibiting corrupt activities by public officials and others. We do not recommend the payment of bribes under any circumstances.

Road Travel

You can drive in Azerbaijan using a licence issued by an EU country or by using an International Driving Licence.

Care should be taken when driving in Azerbaijan (particularly at night). Many roads and are of poor quality and are badly lit. Many cars are poorly maintained, and the standard of driving is erratic. Most taxis do not have seat belts.

Drink driving laws are strict and there is a zero limit on drinking alcohol and driving.

Local laws and customsNinety-eight percent of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim. Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. However, it is frowned upon for men (and to a certain extent women) to wear shorts, even in the height of summer. This can attract unwelcome attention.

Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The usual penalty for smuggling drugs is a prison term of between three to seven years and/or heavy fines.

Police occasionally carry out checks of identity documents. You are advised to carry your passport at all times, in a secure manner, and to keep a photocopy of the details page separately in a safe place. If you intend to remain in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days you should see the Entry Requirements section (below) for advice on local ID cards.

Homosexual, lesbian and transgender activity is legal in Azerbaijan, but many Azerbaijanis disapprove of public displays of affection.

An export certificate is required to take carpets and anything else considered antique out of Azerbaijan. Export certificates are available from the Carpet Museum or this can be arranged through the seller. It is also important to catalogue and declare to Customs any carpets or anything antique looking – even if clearly from a different part of the world - that you bring to Azerbaijan with you. Your relocation company should be able to offer you advice on this.

You should use common sense when considering photographing sites such as military bases, equipment and installations in

Information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

You should use common sense when considering photographing sites such as military bases, equipment and installations in whatever condition. These are considered sensitive areas, and visitors have been detained and questioned while attempting to visit them. You should also be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites. If in doubt, seek permission.

Consular Assistance

Around 5,000 – 7,000 British nationals visit Azerbaijan every year, mainly on business. The Embassy provides a full consular assistance service, including issuing passports, registering births and deaths and certain notarial acts. The Embassy also assists British Citizens in distress, including those in detention. The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Azerbaijan is for passport renewals.Please contact your FSF Cymru representative if you have any problems + 44 7905 861848Money

All goods and services should be paid for in local currency (Manats). However, US Dollars and the Euro are widely used. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros can easily be exchanged for the local currency. Major hotels and international supermarkets and restaurants accept credit cards. You are advised not to carry large amounts of cash. ATMs can be found in most major towns and cities. Prior to leaving the United Kingdom you are advised to contact your bank and inform them that you will be travelling to Azerbaijan. For anti-fraud reasons UK banks will often place a block on any UK issued credit or debit cards that you use in Azerbaijan if you have not informed them before travelling.

£10 IS EQUAL TO APPROX 8.5 MANATS....1 NEW AZER MANAT= APPROX 85p

FSF Cymru helpline number + 44 7905 861848

Vehicle breakdown in Europe

Basic guidelines if you are involved in an accident in most European countries

Important document: the European Accident Statement

It’s highly recommended to obtain a copy of the European Accident Statement (EAS),the English translation of the constat amiable which is a legal document and widely usedacross continental Europe in the event of an accident – your insurer can provide you with acopy. It is designed to enable drivers involved in an accident to exchange facts while eventsare fresh in mind, helping to settle claims quickly. One copy should be retained by yourselfand one by the other driver. If you are not happy that the completed EAS accurately reflectsthe circumstances of the accident, do not sign it as it can be legally binding!

Obtain the other driver’s full details together with the names and contact details of anywitnesses. Complete the European Accident Statement (constat amiable).

Call the police - it is the law in most countries that the police must attend any accident involving a foreign vehicle.Call your insurer - immediately to report the incident and make sure you have all the necessary details of the claim to hand.

If you have fully comprehensive insurance Your insurer will dispatch a rescue recovery patrolman who will take your car to a local garage for repairyour car to a local garage for repair

If you do not have comprehensive insurance The police will arrange for you to be taken to a local garage, where you will have to make your own arrangements for repairWhilst you’re away:• Drive defensively and expect the unexpected – the local driving style may be different to that of the UK• Don’t drive when you’re tired and take regular breaks on long journeys• Always wear a seat belt and make sure other passengers do too• Don’t drink and drive – the alcohol limit may be lower than in the UK and in some countries there is zero tolerance for drink driving• Don’t use your mobile whilst driving• Don’t overload your vehicle and ensure you can see out of the back window• If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurer immediately and take photographs of damageto your vehicle

If your vehicle simply breaks down please contact your recovery company. Please remember to guard your safety at all times but remain with or nearby your vehicle until your recovery operator arrives. Once your recovery operator arrives at the scene please be guided by their safety advice.

Before you travel anywhere in the world please visit the travel advice section of the Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) website...http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/

FSF Cymru helpline number + 44 7905 861848

British Embassy and Emergency service numbers

Thirty of our fans are travelling by road to Azerbaijan and they will pass through nine different countries in mainland Europe. A list of Embassy contacts and emergency numbers is provided below. Good luck to everyone on this epic adventure, they are doing it for charity and will visit over 20 orphanages on the trip donating gifts to the children, they will finally donate their vehicles , and then fly home after the match.

Consulate officesFrance

Calais, Honorary consulate, Telephone (33) 3 21 96 33 76 Paris, British Consulate General, Telephone: (331) 44 51 31 00 , 18bis rue d'Anjou, 75008 ParisMetro: Madeleine (line 8), Concorde (line 1) or Saint Augustin (line 9)Police dial 17The police service is split between those who serve in larger towns and cities, the police secours, and those who serve in the countryside, the gendarmes.Ambulance - Samu dial 15

GermanyDüsseldorf, British Consulate-General Yorckstrasse 19 ,40476, telephone (49) (211) 9448-0Stuttgart, British Honorary Consulate, Celesio AG,Neckertalstrasse 155 ,70376 telephone (49) (0711) 5006 342Police dial 110Ambulance dial 112

AustriaVienna, British Embassy, Consular Section Jauresgasse 10 A-1030 Vienna telephone (43) (1) 71613 5151 Police dial 133Ambulance dial 144

Slovakia Slovakia Bratislava, British Embassy , Panska 16 811 01 Bratislava Telephone: (421) (2) 5998 2000Police dial 113Ambulance dial 112

HungaryBudapest British embassy, Harmincad Utca 6, Budapest 1051 Telephone: (36) (1) 266 2888 Police dial 107Ambulance dial 104

RomaniaBucharest, British Embassy, 24 Jules Michelet 010463 Telephone: (40) (21) 201 7200Police dial 955Ambulance dial 961

BulgariaSofia, British Embassy 9 Moskovska Street Sofia 1000 Telephone: (359) (2) 933 9222 Police dial 166Ambulance dial 150

TurkeyIstanbul, British Consulate-General Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 34 Tepebasi Beyoglu 34435 Telephone: +90 (212) 334 6400 Police dial 155Ambulance dial 112

GeorgiaTbilisi, British Embassy GMT Plaza 4 Freedom Square Tbilisi, 0105 Telephone: + 995 32 274747 Police dial 022Emergencies three numbers... 03; 009; 901

AzerbaijanBaku, British Embassy 45 Khagani Street AZ1010 Baku Telephone: + 994 (12) 4975188 / 89 / 90Police 102,also 495 88 17 Ambulance 103

Important facts to help Welsh fans, compiled by British embassy staff from questions from FSF Cymru

1) Is there need to carry ID (Passport) with you at all times?Yes. But keep a photocopy of your passport data page and visa in a separate place.2) Does the embassy offer 24 hour cover? If so, contact details for duty officer.The Embassy is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Out of hours there is an emergency duty officer available on +99450 213 4658 (inside Azerbaijan 050 213 4658). Please note that this is a mobile phone carried by a member of our staff. They are not located inside the Embassy. This number should only be used in case of emergency.3) are there many police stations in Baku, and is there a directory available?Head Police Department of Baku City – 39, Mardanov Gardashlari str. Tel.: +99412 5909115There are many others FSF volunteers have full list4) Do you have location of tourist’s offices in Baku?There is one very near the British Embassy5) Are the any areas of Baku that should be avoided? Any particular care needed in any area?No particular areas to avoid. Take usual precautions such as avoiding particularly dark streets when alone. Underground bars that you access from steps leading down off the street are probably best avoided as they are often the seedier bars.6) Is pick pocketing prevalent?Not particularly an issue – fans should take normal precautions.7) Are there any local scams that we should be aware of?No.8) Have you contact details and addresses for local hospitals/dentists and English speaking lawyers?FSF Cymru volunteers have full lists9) Are there likely to be any Embassy officials present at the game?The Ambassador is likely to attend the game in her official capacity. Other staff may attend on a private basis, but we will not be sending consular staff to the stadium for the game.10) What are the transports links like from the airport to the City and generally around the City itself?Transport from the airport to the city is by taxi. Hotels can arrange airport pickups. We do not recommend the use of buses or the metro in Baku city as both are poorly maintained and overcrowded. There are many taxis in the city ranging from old Ladas with no seatbelts to Mercedes saloons. None have meters, and the price is no different for a Mercedes than for a Lada.11) What are the transport options late at night, after 11 pm, is it taxi only?11) What are the transport options late at night, after 11 pm, is it taxi only?Yes. Taxi only.12) Where are the main nightlife areas of Baku?The main nightlife area is around Fountain Square. 13) Are any bars open 24/7Not officially but many will stay open as long as they are busy. They open from noon.14) Are there any particular local laws we should be aware of?Nothing in particular.15) Is it ok to consume alcohol in the streets?No. But some bars have open-air terraces/seating where you can drink.16) Is there segregation inside the stadium?Yes, they will be segregated by empty sector and police units placed along the segregation zone.17) Is there a segregation policy outside the stadium...re separate entrances?Yes, Welsh fans will be seated in sectors 1 and 2, sector 3 will be empty and they will have separate access to these sectors.18) Are match programmes produced and available...what is the cost?Not yet able to find out.19) Is there a list of articles fans are forbidden to take into the stadium...can you smoke in the stadium?Alcohol, glass bottles, fireworks etc are forbidden. Plastic bottles are allowed only without the lid. Smoking is permitted.20) What is the policy re admission drunk fans?Depends on their behaviour – if they do not behave well at the entrance they will be denied entry.21) Will Welsh fans be searched before entry?They will be checked for forbidden items.22) Will fans be kept in the stadium after the game has ended? Yes, they will be kept until the home supporters leave the stadium.23) Are there any particular dangers around the stadium?No – supporters should take care if crossing the road.24) Will there bars in the vicinity of the stadium, will they be open on match day?There are no bars around the stadium – they are in the city centre.25) Is alcohol sold in the stadium?No, and fans will not be allowed to carry alcohol in.

Important facts to help Welsh fans, compiled by British embassy staff from questions from FSF Cymru

Finally, what sort of money should the Welsh fans pay for-?

1) A Pint of local beer

Local beer is Xirdalan (pronounced Hirdalan) bottle/draught about 2 manat (AZN), 33 Export (bottle only) 3AZN, Efes (mostly draught) up to 3AZN. In more expensive bars and restaurants these prices go up to 4/5 AZN. If fans are concerned about the conditions of storage of draught beers, stick to bottled. A pint of continental beer/lager/cider

Heineken the most common is 4AZN, Corona is 5AZN (served with lemon as limes aren’t usually available). MGD and Budvar are also available. Prices go up to 6AZN in more expensive bars and restaurants.

2) A mid day meal

Many places offer lunch deals of 2/3 courses, sometimes including soft drinks or water for 6 – 15 AZN. A pizza or burger will cost about 8AZN.

3) An average priced meal in the evening.

25 – 35AZN. Drinking alcohol will push the bill up considerably.

4.) Average cost of a local Taxi ride, or taxi from airport to Baku centre?

If your passport is lost or stolen abroadYou should report the loss or theft of your UK passport to the local police and get a police report as soon as possible.You must then inform the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission and apply for a replacement passport. To do this, you need to:complete the lost or theft of the passport notification form LS01 (FSF Cymru reps will have a few of these available)complete the correct passport application form and provide the required documents, including 2 identical passport photographs that meet the required standards

take both forms, along with the police report, to our local offices. Remember that you will need to pay the correct fee for your passport. There may also be a call out fee for issuing a temporary or emergency passport outside of office hours.

A local taxi ride would cost 4/5M. From the stadium to the city centre 5/6M. A taxi from the airport to Baku city centre would cost between 20 and 40M, 50M if you arrange it through a hotel.Can you use British pounds/Euros or American dollars in pubs/shops etc in Baku? What would your advice be regards to currency exchange, cash point, bank, or exchange offices?

Only local currency, which is manat. But pound/Euros and US dollars could be exchanged in Exchange points.

£10 IS EQUAL TO APPROX 8.5 MANATS....1 NEW AZER MANAT= APPROX 85p

Map of Europe for the Baku or Bust supporters travelling by cars

Wear red for Wales

FSF Cymru helpline number + 44 7905 861848