By Amitai Winehouse For Mailonline
Published: 16:06 BST, 22 May 2019 | Updated: 16:11 BST, 22 May 2019
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Amnesty International have slammed UEFA's decision to stage the Europa League final in Azerbaijan and said the country cannot be allowed to 'sportswash its appalling human rights record' by holding major games.
Arsenal and Chelsea meet in the Europa League final at the Olympic Stadium in Baku on May 29, which will also be the venue for four games during the European Championship next year.
There has been severe criticism of UEFA's call to hold the showpiece game in Azerbaijan, not least after Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan said he would not travel to the game over fears for his safety.
Amnesty International have slammed the decision to stage Europa League final in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is locked in a simmering conflict with his native Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
In a statement, Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said: 'Fans will be glued to their TVs during this game but we must ensure that Azerbaijan isn't allowed to 'sportswash' its appalling human rights record as a result of the football fanfare.
'Azerbaijan is in the grip of a sinister human rights crackdown, with journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders being ruthlessly targeted. Unfair trials and smear campaigns remain
