Rafiq Aghayev, a prominent Azerbaijani volleyball referee of the All-Union category, has passed away.

According to Offsideplus.az, the news was officially released by the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF).

The federation reported that the veteran specialist, who was the father of international-category referee Fuad Aghayev, passed away after a long-term illness.

Regarded as one of the top referees in the former USSR, Rafiq Aghayev was well-known for officiating both Soviet Union and Azerbaijan national championships throughout his distinguished career.