On September 16, 2019, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation.

Welcoming the guest, the Head of the state noted the dynamically developing productive partnership between Uzbekistan and the AFC aimed at creating favorable conditions for the popularization of this sport in the country and the extensive engagement of young people to it.

Uzbekistan acceded to the confederation in 1994. A number of programs and activities are jointly spearheaded to promote football in the country, including the reconstruction and creation of modern sports infrastructure in the regions, support for young athletes, advancement of women’s football, organization of important international tournaments, and the implementation of priority technical assistance projects.

Issues of further enhancement of mutually advantageous cooperation between Uzbekistan and the AFC were discussed at the meeting.

The possibilities for organizing major international soccer tournaments in Uzbekistan, including world and continental championships among teenagers, youth and women’s teams were noted.

The importance was emphasized of continuing the confederation’s assistance in creating a world-class football infrastructure in Uzbekistan, methodological support, promotion of talented youth, and training highly qualified specialists, coaches and referees.

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and praised the country’s policy to popularize mass sports, including support for the development of soccer.

The guest confirmed the commitment of the Asian Football Confederation to expand full-scale partnership with Uzbekistan, as well as his willingness to jointly promote new programs and practical cooperation projects.