FIFA Master Alumni - Where are they now? - Ayan Najaf (Aghayeva)
Ayan Najaf (Aghayeva)
Current Position: Head of Operational Readiness AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Local Organising Committee
Year of graduation: 2014 (14th Edition)
Nationality: Azerbaijani
What does your current role involve?
In my capacity as Head of Operational Readiness for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organising Committee, I operate at the intersection of governance, integration and delivery assurance.
But this role is the reflection of a much longer journey - one that began well before Saudi Arabia’s stadiums and command centres came into focus. I entered the sports events industry in 2012 with the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2012 Local Organising Committee, where I first understood how major tournaments truly function - beyond the spectacle, within the systems. From there, my career expanded across increasingly complex mandates: from the Football Association of Azerbaijan, to supporting the European Club Association’s General Assembly in Spain. My shift from Football to Autosport has started with leadership roles at Media and Broadcast Operations, and Communications and Crisis Management at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and lasted over six consecutive years. That period coincided with a broader shift in global sport - towards heightened expectations around governance, and real-time responsiveness.
These experiences opened the door to wider, multi-sector platforms such as Expo 2020 Dubai and COP29 Azerbaijan. In parallel, my advisory role with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation deepened my exposure to Olympic sport, contributing to governance transformation - from women’s and grassroots development to athlete post-retirement transition pathways.
In the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup 2027™, this accumulated experience translates into a highly structured yet adaptive operational model. My mandate involves cross-functional readiness and host country integration - synchronising venues, functional areas and stakeholders into a single delivery architecture. On match days, this culminates in centralized command operations - live nerve centres where data, decision-making and coordination converge.
Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?
My systems-thinking approach is deeply rooted in the FIFA Master. The programme offers a genuinely 360-degree perspective by spanning cultural, operational and legal dimensions of sport. That multidimensional lens is increasingly critical in an industry where governance, compliance and social responsibility are no longer optional, but central to decision-making.
The global FIFA Master alumni network is equally important. It is not simply a network of contacts, but a shared professional language that transcends geographies and organisational boundaries. I am privileged to work alongside three other FIFA Master Alumni from different editions and different nationalities in my day-to-day work at AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Local Organising Committee.
The programme’s practical immersion also stands out. Through site field visits, guest speakers and direct exposure to major sporting organisations, learning becomes immediately applicable. As someone who started a career in sport before admission to the FIFA Master, it ensured that theory and practice were never disconnected.
What advice would you give to future students?
My advice is both simple and pragmatic. First, do your due diligence - understand the course design, academic benchmarks and logistical demands. Preparation is essential, particularly for such a complex course that mirrors the demands of the global sports industry.
At the same time, never underestimate the human dimension. Your classmates are your closest allies. The relationships you build will extend far beyond the classroom and often become your most valuable professional asset. The ability to work effectively across cultures, organisations and disciplines will define your long-term impact in the industry.
"CIES, 30 years of impacting how sport is managed worldwide" & "FIFA Master, 25 years of Excellence in Sport Business Education"
