It has been announced that the state oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz has completely stopped its practice of financing football clubs. This was officially stated at a press conference held on April 20 by Suhrob Khamrayev, the company's first deputy chairman of the board.
He emphasized that the company stopped financially supporting football projects as of January 1, and this decision applies to all relevant areas. This step is explained by the state company's policy to review its expenses in the sports sector.
Suhrob Khamrayev also addressed the issue of debt that arose in previous years. Specifically, it was stated that financial obligations related to the "Bunyodkor" club and former Brazilian footballer Rivaldo have been directly placed on the club's shoulders.
According to him, covering the debt to Rivaldo is the direct responsibility of the club itself, not Uzbekneftegaz. The company explicitly noted that it would not assume such obligations.
"The company will not pay the debt to Rivaldo, who played for Bunyodkor between 2008–2010. This obligation belongs to the club, not the company," said Suhrob Khamrayev.
Thus, the state company confirmed its complete withdrawal from financing football clubs. This decision may also lead to new discussions about financial models in the country's football and clubs' self-sufficiency systems.
The main focus is now shifting to the clubs' independent financial activities and how they will resolve previous contracts.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
