Uzbek Football to Receive Record Government Funding
Sport
Starting in 2026, all Superliga clubs in Uzbekistan will receive direct funding from the state budget — 35 billion UZS per club. Personal income tax will be abolished, the social tax rate set at 1%, and businesses investing in clubs will have access to preferential loans.
Uzbekistan introduces a new model for funding professional football. According to a presidential decree, from the 2026 season, 16 Superliga clubs will receive equal direct funding from the state budget — 35 billion UZS each. In 2027, allocations will be 30 billion UZS per club, and 25 billion UZS in 2028.
The measures aim to strengthen club infrastructure, develop academies and women’s football, and improve athlete preparation for international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games.
Ravshan Irmatov, First Vice-President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, noted that the decree provides for gradual business involvement, corporate governance implementation, and modern funding mechanisms. Investors will have access to 5-year preferential loans at a 14% annual rate with a 1-year grace period.
Equal funding ensures financial fair play principles across all 16 Superliga clubs.
A Sports Initiatives Support Fund will also be created to centrally finance federations and clubs and monitor fund usage.
Previously, only three clubs — Dinamo, Pakhtakor, and Surkhan — had private sponsors; others were funded by state-owned companies.
Earlier plans to privatize most clubs by 2030 were halted due to public opposition. The new decree ensures financial stability for clubs until a full market-based transition.
The measures aim to strengthen club infrastructure, develop academies and women’s football, and improve athlete preparation for international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games.
Ravshan Irmatov, First Vice-President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, noted that the decree provides for gradual business involvement, corporate governance implementation, and modern funding mechanisms. Investors will have access to 5-year preferential loans at a 14% annual rate with a 1-year grace period.
Equal funding ensures financial fair play principles across all 16 Superliga clubs.
A Sports Initiatives Support Fund will also be created to centrally finance federations and clubs and monitor fund usage.
Previously, only three clubs — Dinamo, Pakhtakor, and Surkhan — had private sponsors; others were funded by state-owned companies.
Earlier plans to privatize most clubs by 2030 were halted due to public opposition. The new decree ensures financial stability for clubs until a full market-based transition.
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