In line with its dedicated strategy to foster and support capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives throughout its 211 members associations, FIFA’s Regional Development Office in Dubai together with the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) and their affiliated Professional Football League, organised a workshop dedicated to clubs' strategy in Tashkent from 2-3 December 2019. The aim was to improve the structure of the clubs and their development according to the principles initiated with the FIFA Forward 2.0 Development Programme.

Taking place at the UFA Headquarters, the workshop was conceptualised to provide clubs with relevant information and insightful club strategy best practices, as well as necessary guidance on management, structure, roles and responsibilities.

The event welcomed representatives of 15 clubs from two first Uzbek divisions as well as employees of 14 regional federations. During the two-day workshop participants heard presentations and discussed with FIFA Regional Development Office representatives and consultants many topical issues, namely clubs' strategy and structure, club management, peculiarities of football funding, event management, marketing through football and the importance of research as well as talent sponsorship and negotiations.

Part of the workshop was devoted to individual meetings with clubs to allow in-depth interviews aimed at providing tailor-made recommendations for each of them.

“We are very happy that this FIFA club capacity building workshop took place in Tashkent. It was fruitful and productive in all different aspects for both Superliga clubs’ and regional UFA branches representatives. Our local experts got an opportunity to listen to presentations by experienced FIFA consultants and learn about recent expertise in their field. From now on, we will be able to use this new valuable knowledge to efficiently develop football in our country. We would like to thank FIFA for their support in organising this event and we hope to keep mutually pursuing this fruitful cooperation,” Ravshan Irmatov, UFA First Vice-President, commented.

"This workshop is aimed at development, innovation and modernisation of approaches for Uzbek clubs. Today football is a huge industry that requires a lot of different competences from those who are lucky to be involved in it. The sport is very competitive, and we want our clubs to keep pace with the rest of the world as well as to improve the level and attractiveness of domestic competitions. I would like to thank our guests from FIFA who helped us to hold this workshop at the top level. Together we can turn our potential into sustainable development and success in the years to come,” Avaz Maksumov, UFA General Secretary, commented.