Government Allocates 5 Billion Soums to Bunyodkor FC

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 5 billion soums to Tashkent football club Bunyodkor as part of state support after the team faced financial difficulties and was threatened with exclusion from the Super League, the club's press service reported.

The funds were allocated pursuant to Presidential Resolution No. 107 dated 24 March 2026. Bunyodkor expressed gratitude to the president and government representatives, noting that the team will continue preparing for upcoming championship matches according to the approved schedule.

On 30 July, the club notified the Uzbekistan Professional Football League of its severe financial situation. Due to a lack of funds for delegation transport, accommodation, and meals, the team was unable to travel to Navoi for the 15th round Super League match against Qizilqum. In accordance with regulations, Bunyodkor was handed a technical forfeit.

The PFL warned that a repetition of such a situation during the current season could serve as grounds to consider excluding the club from the Super League. Following Bunyodkor's appeal, the organization of the match was halted.

Earlier, the head coach and several players reported that players and staff had not received salaries for several months, while also pointing to infrastructure problems at the training facility.

Following 15 rounds, Bunyodkor occupies tenth place in the standings with 19 points. Neftchi leads with 35 points after 14 matches, followed by Pakhtakor with 34 points and Bukhoro with 26 points.

Additional difficulties arose for the club due to a FIFA transfer ban imposed over outstanding debts owed to former player Rivaldo. The club had previously agreed on a five-year debt repayment schedule with the player and fulfilled it during 2024–2025. However, following the termination of funding by Uzneftegaz at the beginning of 2026, the next payment was not made. Following a repeated appeal by Rivaldo to FIFA, the previous agreement was revoked.

The club reported that work continues to obtain the second tranche of state support in the amount of 10 billion soums out of the 35 billion soums projected for 2026. Assigning a new sponsor to the team is also under consideration.

Following the emergence of information regarding the club's financial situation, a campaign in support of Bunyodkor was launched on social media.

Words of support were published by sports publications, bloggers, and several football clubs, some of which temporarily changed their Telegram profile images to the team's emblem. Bunyodkor separately thanked fans, sports media, and the clubs Pakhtakor, Surkhon, Bukhoro, Navbahor, Lokomotiv, and Olympic Mobiuz for the support provided.