The head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, Fabio Cannavaro, provided detailed comments regarding the team's performance at the 2026 World Cup. During the press conference, he not only reacted to criticism but also refuted unconfirmed information about his remuneration and shared plans for the national team's development in the coming years.
At the beginning of the event, the Italian specialist drew attention to rumors circulating around the national team. He categorically rejected information about his salary size, calling such publications unreliable. Cannavaro strongly urged members of the journalistic community to thoroughly verify data before publishing it, emphasizing that a significant portion of reports about the team are untrue.
Commenting on the results of the World Cup, where the Uzbekistan national team failed to win any of the three group stage matches, the coach noted that the team's debut at the tournament was in a group with extremely strong teams. In his opinion, the difference in skill level and experience played a decisive role in the final outcome of the games.
Nevertheless, Cannavaro did not agree with the assessment of a complete failure of the team. He stated that he evaluates the work not only by the final score but also by the quality of the game itself. The coach emphasized that the players fully realized their tasks and gave their all on the field, and the tournament became a valuable experience for the players, coaching staff, Football Federation, and fans.
The specialist also spoke about future strategies. According to him, the national team squad will undergo a process of gradual renewal. The coaching staff plans to adjust the tactical scheme, pay more attention to young players, and begin preparation for the next cycle with a focus on the Asian Cup. Cannavaro added that the participation of many players in the World Cup squad was recognition of their contribution to successfully passing the qualification rounds.
One of the main priorities will be organizing matches against stronger teams. In the coach's conviction, it is such matches that contribute to the team's faster progress and accumulation of international experience. Cannavaro announced that the Uzbekistan national team will play a match against South Korea soon. Furthermore, negotiations are underway to hold a friendly match against Iran in Tashkent, and a meeting with another top national team has been scheduled, whose name has not yet been disclosed.
The Tashkent football club 'Bunedkor' has faced a serious financial crisis, which forced it to notify the Professional Football League about its inability to travel for the 15th round Super League match.
The match against 'Kyzylkum' is scheduled for August 2nd in Navoi region. The reason for the refusal was the complete lack of necessary funds to cover travel, accommodation, and food for the delegation members. According to the established tournament rules, the club will be recorded as a technical defeat. Furthermore, if similar financial problems recur, the league executive committee will consider excluding 'Bunedkor' from the Super League competition.
The club's General Director, Murod Aliyev, confirmed the team's difficult situation. He reported that despite receiving 10 billion soums in the first quarter and earning approximately 11 billion soums through contracts and rentals, these amounts were insufficient to cover all expenses. The club's players and staff have not been paid salaries for six to seven months.
The situation is complicated by a significant debt to Brazilian footballer Rivaldo, amounting to 26 billion soums annually. The club's management is attempting to find a solution to the current situation and plans to seek support from the president. Currently, after 14 rounds of the season, 'Bunedkor' ranks tenth in the standings with 19 points.
Previously, fans of Tashkent's 'Bunyodkor' expressed dissatisfaction by displaying a banner on the stands demanding the resignation of General Director Murod Aliyev. This action was a reaction to the long-standing organizational and financial problems facing the team.
