Corruption and favoritism in football have been eliminated, President says

Corruption and favoritism in Uzbekistan’s football system have been eliminated, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said today, May 22, during a meeting with the Uzbekistan national football team.

According to the report, more than 200 major sports facilities and nearly 4,000 private sports clubs have begun operating across the country in recent years. Sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 mahallas. A modern Olympic Village has been built in the capital, while the National Football Center has been launched in Yukorichirchik. One professional football academy and football schools have been established in each region.

As a result of these efforts, the number of amateur football players has reached 5 million. More than 1.3 million people now regularly play football, while the number of professional footballers has reached 17,000.

“Most importantly, such vices as corruption and favoritism in football have been eliminated. An open and transparent system has been created. This has brought the most talented young people and genuine talents onto the big stage,” the report said.