Football in Turkmenistan
Football is the most popular sport in Turkmenistan, a country that gained independence in 1991. The national association regularly takes part in competitions organised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation at senior and youth level. Valerii Nepomniachi is probably the most famous name in Turkmen football. He was the coach who led Cameroon to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. The Africans surprised many with their 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina in the opening match and finally bowed out in the quarter-finals.
The first Goal Project
The artificial turf pitch in Ashgabat's Kopeddag Stadium, which is also home to the offices of the association, was laid in November 2002.  The project has been financed by the Goal Programme and the national teams and various club teams are already training and playing matches on the new pitch. Furthermore, the complex regularly hosts gatherings of the most talented youngsters in each age level, as well as courses held as part of the various development programmes for coaches and referees.
Use of FAP funds
Financing of Goal project
Project
Artificial pitch in Ashgabat
Project approved
4 July 2001
Status
Opened on 18 September 2004
Financed by
Goal USD 400,000 FAP USD 37,745 Government Land Total cost USD 437,745
Download Goal Programme in PDF format
16.12.2008