Gabala FK (Azerbaijani: Qəbələ İdman Klubu) is a professional football club based in Qabala, Azerbaijan, competing in the Azerbaijan Premier League. The club’s crest features the Caucasus Mountains, a black crescent, and a red eight-pointed star, elements described as similar to those on the Azerbaijani flag, alongside the year 2005 marking the club’s formation in its current form [1]. The club is also known by the nickname “Red-blacks” (Qırmızı-qaralar), reflecting its traditional red and black colors [2].
Design and History
Gabala’s modern history begins on 3 July 1995, when the club was founded under the name Goy Gol (Blue Lake). It was officially registered by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Justice on 1 September 2005, and the same year the club made its debut in the domestic First Division [3].
In early 2006, the club changed its name to Gilan, playing for the Khanlar region, and won the First Division championship in its first season, earning promotion to the Premier League. In the summer of 2006, the club moved from Khanlar to Gabala, and on 31 August 2007 it was renamed PFC Gabala [3].
The crest’s inclusion of the year 2005 reflects this modern re-establishment period rather than the original 1995 founding [1]. The club’s red and black identity is reflected in the official club history, which refers to the side as the “re-black” (red-black) team [3].
Gabala has competed in the Azerbaijan Premier League since 2006, with a relegation to the First Division for the 2024–25 season before securing promotion back to the top tier at the first attempt [2]. The club has also participated in UEFA club competitions, including reaching the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in the 2015–16 season [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Gabala FK crest feature?
The crest features the Caucasus Mountains, a black crescent, and a red eight-pointed star similar to the Azerbaijani flag, along with the year 2005 marking the club’s formation in its current form [1].
What are Gabala FK’s club colors?
Gabala plays in red and black, reflected in the club’s nickname “Red-blacks” (Qırmızı-qaralar) [2].
When was Gabala FK founded?
The club was founded on 3 July 1995 as Goy Gol, and was registered in its current form on 1 September 2005. It was renamed PFC Gabala on 31 August 2007 [3].
What league does Gabala FK play in?
Gabala competes in the Azerbaijan Premier League, having returned to the top tier for the 2025–26 season after a one-year absence [2].
Who designed the Gabala FK crest?
Reliable public information identifying the specific designer or design agency responsible for the Gabala FK crest was not found in the sources reviewed for this article.
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