The new season’s kits of BKMA of the Armenian Premier league have sparked considerable interest among football fans. The reason lies in the typography of the players’ surnames, which has been rendered in Armenian using medieval Notrgir script. Harutyun Tsatryan, a correspondent and photographer for “Aravot” daily, spoke with BKMA Director Gagik Aghbalyan to find out the details of this unique initiative and the club’s strategy regarding jersey sales.
– At the beginning of the season, I saw your post regarding BKMA’s new kits and the Armenian typography of the players’ names. It’s quite an interesting approach. Is it possible to purchase the kit from the club (fanshop) or from other stores selling jerseys?
– At present, BKMA does not have a fan shop or an official store. Occasionally, small quantities of our jerseys can be found at the “Arena Sport” store, but the new season’s jersey remains an exclusive item solely for our players. Recently, we have been thinking a lot about organizing the sales of our jerseys and other football merchandise, but due to certain organizational issues, we keep postponing it. Our club does not have a marketer or a specialist to handle such matters. As for our team, we are more focused on the ongoing championships, current club operations, and development programs; therefore, we haven’t applied sufficient effort towards sales just yet.
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– How was the decision made to type the names on the kits in Armenian (rather than, for example, in English, as is the case with other clubs)? It seems there is no mandatory clause about this in the FFA regulations.
– The idea to use Armenian medieval Notrgir script on the jerseys was mine, which I discussed with a few colleagues. We searched with great enthusiasm for a suitable font and selected this specific one. In previous seasons, we used Armenian letters for the surname prints on the jerseys as well, but this season we decided to choose a truly distinctive font. According to the FFA regulations, there is no specific requirement; both Armenian and English options are allowed. Before us, as you know, Gyumri’s “Shirak” used Armenian lettering and continues to do so to this day. In the 2026-2027 season, both BKMA teams – in the Premier league and First league championships – will play featuring this beautiful, unique font that characterizes our nation and connects with our roots.
– Are such matters discussed with the players, or not? If so, what was their response?
– Before making the decision, the matter was not discussed with the players, but during the process, we showed them how it was turning out and what idea we had in mind. Prior to the actual printing, we placed the surnames on the shirts using AI tools. However, showing it to the players was not because we hesitated about our decision, but rather out of excitement to share the process with them. It was not going to affect our decision.
There are things for which the club must take responsibility: these are strategic matters, value-based issues, and educational guidelines. If any player does not yet grasp its importance, its depth, or the necessity of connecting with their roots and identity, it is the club that must provide that direction and lead them. BKMA is a developing club that recruits players from various other clubs, meaning every player initially carries the policy, strategy, and philosophy of their parent club. Here at BKMA, national matters – in terms of culture, memory, respect, education, and development – become imperative.
If any Armenian player in Armenia has an issue with connecting to their national culture and identity, I believe both that player and the club have a major problem. In my presence, our players expressed positive views about this innovation, and I am confident that no one opposes wearing this shirt or playing in it. I am glad we made this decision.
– How is your cooperation with the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) and the kit approval process regulated? Are they the final decision-makers?
– As the club director, I am granted great creative and managerial freedom and independence. There are issues we discuss with the FFA leadership, but this decision was made internally within the club. It is no secret that BKMA was established by the FFA, and we share an organic connection, but from a management perspective, it is effective when different sub-structures enjoy independence and creative freedom so as not to overburden a single center with every issue. We provide the solutions ourselves, thereby strengthening the entire organization.
The Federation supports us regarding the jerseys: as you know, the “Macron” company is a partner of the FFA, and through that partnership, we resolve the matter. Regarding advertising, we are subject to the same regulations as other clubs within the framework of the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. Furthermore, value-based matters are very important to our club; if we look for a partner organization, we must understand for ourselves where our values align and overlap ideologically.
As for the technical aspect, the Federation cannot check all jerseys to see if the printing is done correctly or not. However, according to mandatory regulations, prior to the start of the championship, all clubs upload sketches and design photos of their kits (home, away, third kit if applicable, and goalkeeper kits) into the Football Management System so that the FFA can review the match colors.
Photos from the official BKMA website
Interview by Harutyun Tsatryan
