Hafiz Mammadov
Hafiz Mammadov | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 2, 1964 Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Creator of Baghlan Group; owner of FC Baku and RC Lens |
Hafiz Mammadov (; born 2 December 1964 in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan) is an Azerbaijani entrepreneur and the creator of the Baghlan Group. He was previously the proprietor of football teams FC Baku and RC Lens.
Biography
In 1998, Mammadov established the Baghlan Group, concentrating on sectors such as oil, gas, construction, and transportation within Azerbaijan. The company’s swift expansion and Mammadov's personal wealth have been largely attributed to his close association with the family of former transport minister Ziya Mammadov.
Football
Mammadov utilized his financial resources to make significant investments in football. He became owner of FC Baku in 2004, a club competing in the Azerbaijan Premier League. His international involvement grew in 2013 when he acquired the French club RC Lens. During his tenure, Lens achieved promotion from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1, prominently displaying the Land of Fire emblem.
Additionally, Mammadov held equity stakes in La Liga’s Atlético Madrid, which also featured the same branding during their successful campaigns in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons.
In June 2014, he attempted to purchase English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday for approximately €50 million, intending to replace chairman Milan Mandarić. Despite initial marketing efforts showcasing the Land of Fire logo, the acquisition was abandoned by September due to unmet financial obligations.
Amid financial challenges connected to Azerbaijan’s economic climate, former French President François Hollande is said to have intervened on behalf of RC Lens. This turmoil resulted in departures from Baku FC, raising uncertainty about the club’s prospects.
Later that year, Mammadov's inability to provide a promised £4 million transfer budget for Lens triggered fan-led calls for a boycott of the club’s principal shirt sponsor and heightened fears of relegation. While reports varied—some highlighting severe financial distress and others pointing to potential support from his oligarch affiliations—the situation remained precarious.