Azerbaijan
Beyond the controversies, Baku’s Europa League final brought little for locals
Beyond the international headlines about Mkhitaryan and inconvenienced fans, the people of Azerbaijan faced travel restrictions and more because of the game. But despite complaints of few economic or sporting benefits of playing host, some say it is still beneficial in drawing attention to human rights abuses in the country. On 29 May, for the first time in its history, Baku hosted the final of the Europa League football tournament. But even before the Arsenal–Chelsea match took place, the
