AFL works on stadium in Azerbaijan

A Manchester architecture practice is working on a new football stadium for a club in Azerbaijan.

AFL, which specialises in designing football stadia, was commissioned to handle the development of FC Gabala’s 15-000-seat stadium.

It follows a string of international business wins at AFL including the third David Beckham football academy in Brazil. AFL is also working with Foster and Partners to design a major refurbishment and extension of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona.

Now it has appointed the accountancy firm Mazars to give it business development advice as it continues to expand.

Garry Rowlands, financial director at AFL, said: “We have been very fortunate to avoid the worst effects of the downturn in the construction sector.

“Our spread across many sectors and our ability to take on international projects has allowed us to maintain a steady stream of new opportunities.

“Working with Mazars has given us access to the strategic advice and experience that will allow us to capitalise on these wins and continue to expand during these difficult times.”

In the past AFL has designed the east and west stands of Old Trafford and Wigan Athletic’s JJB stadium. The firm has also designed training grounds for Chelsea, Everton and Stoke City football clubs.