AFC President Emphasizes Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation with Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 18 (KUNA) – Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), reaffirmed on Sunday the confederation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan and elevating the partnership across various areas of football development.

In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur-based AFC said this came during a meeting in Tashkent, where Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Sheikh Salman and his accompanying delegation as part of an official visit.

Sheikh Salman expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President Mirziyoyev for the warm hospitality and reception, commending Uzbekistan’s substantial efforts in supporting amateur and professional football, as well as in developing modern sports infrastructure and training facilities.

He praised Uzbek football, noting its notable progress and standing at both the continental and global levels, citing the national team’s qualification for the previous FIFA World Cup held last summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The statement highlighted that the meeting reviewed prospects for future cooperation between the AFC and the Uzbek side, including the organization and hosting of women’s and youth tournaments, and providing technical support in player and coach training, talent identification, and development. It also emphasized the importance of jointly developing football academies and advancing initiatives aimed at expanding youth participation in the sport.

The meeting was attended by several officials from both sides, including Uzbek Sports Minister Adham Ikramov, Uzbekistan Football Association President Bakhodir Qurbanov, FIFA Council member Yasser Al-Misahl, and AFC Secretary General Datuk Windsor Johnson. (End)