Uzbekistan’s Olympic and Football Leaders Explore Partnership with Manchester City and City Football Group

Leaders of Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Committee and the Uzbekistan Football Association conducted a working visit to Manchester, England, where they held talks with City Football Group and Manchester City representatives.

During the meetings, Uzbek officials discussed long-term projects with Chief Operating Officer Roel de Vries, Managing Director Danny Wilson, Football Business Director Clive Reeves and other senior executives. The focus was on advancing Uzbek football through innovation, modern academies, stronger infrastructure and the use of international expertise.

City Football Group representatives noted Uzbekistan’s qualification for the World Cup as a sign of the sport’s rapid progress in the country. They also highlighted the growing global interest in Uzbek football following the transfer of national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Another key topic was the potential integration of an Uzbek club into City Football Group’s international system. As part of the visit, the delegation will tour Manchester City’s academy and its player development structure.

City Football Group is the world’s largest sports holding, owning and managing a network of clubs worldwide. Its main asset is Manchester City, backed by Abu Dhabi United Group with investors including Silver Lake and China Media Capital.

The group’s portfolio currently includes 13 clubs such as Bahia (Brazil), Lommel (Belgium), New York City (USA), Melbourne City (Australia), Montevideo City Torque (Uruguay), Girona (Spain), Palermo (Italy), Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan), Troyes (France), Mumbai City (India), Sichuan Jiuniu (China) and partner club Bolívar (Bolivia).

Kursiv also reports that Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento is being considered for the position of head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team.