John van’t Schip will no longer serve as the head coach of the Armenian national football team, following a mutual agreement with the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA).
The FFA expressed its deep gratitude to van’t Schip and his staff for their professionalism and unwavering dedication.
The Federation has adopted a new strategy, opting for a coaching structure built around local specialists for the coming year.
“I had hoped to continue working with Armenia’s national team, but I respect the FFA’s decision to take a different direction. I’m proud of what we achieved in a short time and thank the players, staff, and everyone at the federation for their trust and cooperation. I wish the team success moving forward,” van’t Schip said.
Yeghishe Melikyan will now take over as head coach of the national team.
The 46-year-old’s candidacy was approved by the FFA Executive Committee. His contract will run through November 2026.
Commenting on his appointment, Melikyan said: “I am proud to take on the role of head coach of Armenia’s national team. I fully understand the challenges and responsibility, but I am ready to face them with honor. Every decision I make will be in the best interest of the national team and Armenian football. Now is the time to unite our efforts. I call on the entire football community to rally around the national team.”
FFA President Armen Melikbekyan commented on the appointment, stating: “The Armenian Football Federation has decided to shift the development strategy for the national team. We thank John van’t Schip for his work. Now we entrust the team to a local expert who knows Armenian football from the inside, having progressed from national team player to a championship-winning coach in Armenian club football in recent years.
We are hopeful that through close cooperation between the FFA staff and Yeghishe Melikyan, and with daily hard work, the national team can achieve strong results. I believe unity and collective effort will help us move forward.”
