Mirziyoyev honors FIFA chief with the Order of Friendship

On September 8, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received FIFA President Gianni Infantino and presented him with the Order of Friendship. The presidential press service reported the news.

At the beginning of the meeting, Infantino congratulated the leader and people of Uzbekistan on the historic achievement of the national team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He noted that this success is the result of effective reforms, state support for sports, and broad assistance to the sector.

The sides discussed further expanding cooperation with FIFA, including improving the system of football management and organization, developing youth talent, and training coaches, referees, managers, sports doctors, and technical specialists to international standards.

“It was noted with great satisfaction that close cooperation is being established in the implementation of joint programs to popularize football, primarily among young people,” the report said.

With FIFA’s technical support, Uzbekistan has established a modern National Football Center, including a digital football situational center equipped with innovative solutions. The country also successfully hosted the Futsal World Cup last year.

Particular attention is being given to hosting major FIFA competitions and events in Uzbekistan.

It was reported that an agreement was reached to open a FIFA regional office for Central Asian countries in Tashkent.

At the end of the meeting, Mirziyoyev awarded Infantino the Order of Friendship, Uzbekistan’s highest honor, in recognition of his personal contribution to the development and international promotion of Uzbek football.

It is worth noting that Infantino and the FIFA delegation were welcomed earlier by Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia and First Deputy Chairman of the NOC Otabek Umarov, UFA First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov, and other officials. During their visit, the delegation inspected the Olympic Village in Tashkent and the National Football Center in the Yukori Chirchik district of Tashkent region.