Uzbekistan has prohibited the sale and change of purpose of state-owned football stadiums and fields under a presidential decree signed on August 21. The resolution on measures to further increase the digitalization and popularity of the football industry in Uzbekistan, outlines steps to ensure the protection and proper use of football infrastructure across the country.
According to the decree, all state-owned football stadiums and fields must be registered by the end of 2025. The data will then be entered into the National Football Electronic Platform by July 2026. Stadiums and fields with unknown ownership will undergo an inventory process, after which their rights will be registered with the state.
The Cadastre Agency has been tasked with taking measures in its information systems to prevent the sale or repurposing of these facilities. Responsibility for implementing the decree also falls on the Football Association of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, the Cadastre Agency, as well as regional and city administrations, including the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan.
Starting from October 1, 2025, the “Football Field in Every Neighborhood” program will be launched. Under this initiative, vacant state-owned land plots in neighborhoods will be auctioned with the requirement that part of the land be used to build a football field. These fields must retain their intended purpose for at least 10 years. Buyers will be permitted to use the remaining land in line with existing laws.
The move comes after controversy earlier this year when 100% of the state-owned share of Pakhtakor Football Club, including its stadium, was put up for sale. Following public criticism, the bidding process was suspended.
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