The FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled that the Tashkent football club Bunyodkor is obligated to pay Japanese defender Itsuki Urata an amount exceeding $328 thousand. This decision was made on August 13 and covers both salary arrears and compensation for contract termination.
Under this ruling, Bunyodkor must compensate Urata $45 thousand in unpaid wages and $283.4 thousand as compensation for breach of contract terms. Furthermore, a 5% annual interest rate will be applied to the salary debt, which applies to each installment of $15 thousand starting from the dates of February 6, March 6, and March 27, 2026. The same 5% annual interest rate is set for the contract termination compensation, effective from March 27 until full repayment.
The club faces severe penalties if it fails to repay all due amounts and interest within 45 days of the ruling. In such a case, Bunyodkor will be barred from registering new players at both national and international levels. This sanction will last for three full transfer windows. If the debt remains unpaid after this period, the case will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
The 29-year-old Itsuki Urata was with Bunyodkor since 2024. In the spring of 2026, the Japanese left-back left the Tashkent club amid financial difficulties and unpaid salaries. The FIFA decision was another blow to Bunyodkor's financial standing. Earlier, at the end of July, the club faced a shortage of funds to participate in the Super League match against Kyzylkum in Navoi, as the team lacked money for transportation, accommodation, and food, resulting in Bunyodkor being awarded a technical defeat.
In early August, the club received state financial assistance amounting to 5 billion soms, formalized based on a presidential decree dated March 24, 2026. Nevertheless, Bunyodkor has other significant financial obligations. In 2024, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee required the club to pay former players Rivaldo and Denilson approximately 9.2 million euros. Although the club had previously reached an agreement with Rivaldo for gradual debt repayment until 2028, it failed to adhere to the established payment schedule.