OFFSIDE - FOOTBALL IN EXILE BY DIRK-JAN VISSER

Photographer Dirk-Jan Visser reveals the human tragedy of a country torn apart by war from the perspective of two football teams.  Azeri FK Qarabag Agdam and Armenian FK Karabakh Stepanakert symbolize the conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh in the Caucasus.

In 1994, with the aid of Armenia, the region broke away from Azerbaijan, but to date is not recognized as an independent state by any country.

For three years, photographer Dirk followed the lives of players and coaches, fighters and refugees, wives and widows from the region, all of whom are central to an exhibition and accompanying photo book which begins soon.

Offside – Football in Exile by Dirk-Jan Visser is on display at the Noorderlicht Fotogalerie, Groningen, The Netherlands from 26 May - 8 July.