Winds of major change are blowing through Uzbek football. For the first time in the history of the clubs, direct funds have begun to be allocated from the state treasury; however, the strict requirements established for the use of these funds have surprised many. Zamin.uz presents this "economic revolution" in the world of football and its bitter details.
Rein on State Money: Do Not Exceed 27 Million!
According to the newly introduced system, state-owned enterprises that have been financing Super League teams are now directing their funds to a single centralized fund. Under the supervision of the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA), a total of 35 billion soum will be transferred to each club in stages. However, there is a crucial "but": the upper limit for monthly salaries paid to players or employees from these state funds has been set at 27 million soum. After tax deductions, the amount a player nets is approximately 23 million soum.
This restriction is not only for players. For instance, there is also a limit for head managers—their salary may even be less than 10 million soum. This news has come as a genuine shock to clubs that had signed contracts with foreign players at the beginning of the year promising large salaries.
Legionnaires' "Enthusiasm" and the Burden of Old Debts
According to reports, foreign players at one of the capital's clubs refused to train upon hearing about such salaries. This is understandable, as it is clear that legionnaires who arrived with high hopes will not even lace up their boots for 23 million soum.
The situation is particularly complicated for teams like "Bunyodkor." The "Swallows" are still preoccupied with paying off 9.5 million US dollars (an astronomical amount in soum that barely fits on a calculator) in debts remaining from the era of Rivaldo and Denilson. Consequently, the "PR" moves of that time yielded almost no positive results for Uzbek football.
Where Did the Billions Go?
According to representatives of "Uzbekneftegaz," this organization alone previously spent nearly 300 billion soum (approximately 25 million US dollars) a year on football. If a single company allocated that much money, it is not difficult to imagine how much funding has flowed into football from state enterprises over the years.
"Bitter Medicine" — A Step Toward Recovery
The state is telling the clubs, "we will provide a portion of the expenses; find the rest through sponsors and manage on your own." This is the first step toward the gradual privatization of football and removing it from state dependence.
Of course, 27 million soum is low for star players, but it is a massive incentive for a young man striving to make the starting lineup. A young footballer earning 2,000 US dollars a month will certainly play with "fire" on the field, but it is difficult to expect results from a professional used to 10,000 US dollars for this salary.
By sharply reducing the funds allocated to football, the state did not want to "cut off the oxygen supply" all at once. This 2-3 year transition period is an opportunity for clubs to find their own way. From now on, budget money should be directed toward the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads rather than football.
Dear fans, do you think the 27 million soum limit placed on players is correct, or will it lead to a decline in the level of our football? Should state money be spent on schools or stadiums?
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How do you imagine the future of Uzbek football without state money?
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