Marat Omarov: ''We are aimed to create a sustainable football system where everyone will work towards the same goal ''

Marat Talgatovich in his report on the development of Kazakhstan football for the next four years spoke about the key strategic directions and touched on several important issues for the development of football infrastructure and system in Kazakhstan.

''Last week I visited the headquarters of UEFA and held talks with the president Aleksander Čeferin. Following the meeting, agreements were reached with the Union of European Associations to ensure that Kazakhstani football receives the full support of international partners on issues of integration into the global football system. UEFA has repeatedly emphasised the need for reform in Kazakhstani football. We are fully open to co-operation'', - emphasised the KFF head.

Also Marat Omarov announced his plans to create a system of certified academies that meet European standards.

''Currently, the KFF is actively working with financial and industrial groups aimed at additional construction of three full-fledged football academies in Kazakhstan. It is important to emphasise that these projects are implemented at the expense of the investors themselves.

There is already an agreement with Kaspi Group for the construction of a football academy, the location of which has not yet been determined. There is an agreement with Freedom holding corporation to build a football academy in Karaganda. And also an academy will be built in Zhambyl region, as this region has always been a land of football talents.

The creation of these projects is a task that requires full immersion in negotiations with investors, methodologists and specialists who will have to study the most suitable experience for us.

Another one agreement that we reached was the signing of a cooperation agreement with TAV Group, according to which the company will build a dormitory and academic centre (5000 square metres) at the national team's base in Talgar at their own expense. This will increase the number of students in the academy by 150-200 people in age categories from 15 to 18 years, to create conditions for quality training of young footballers. The project implemention will make it possible to attract funds under the international programme FIFA Forward 3.0, which will accelerate construction.

At the same time, a PPP concept is currently being developed jointly with BI Group and local executive bodies for the construction of indoor arenas in the regions.

As part of the methodological support of current football schools, an agreement has been reached with Kaspi Group on training for coaches and possibility for players to visit the footbal club ''Wycombe Wanderers'', which plays in the English division'', - said Marat Omarov.

In addition, the KFF president noted the need to develop both grassroots football and student football.

 ''We are launching a student league among universities that already have infrastructure, a team and some game experience in different tournaments. At the first stage there will be a few teams, this will be done in order to ensure the quality of competitions, broadcasts organisation and public interest.

The league will not duplicate existing student competitions, but will be a new, higher level. In this regard, a meeting has already been held with the Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek.

In order to support grassroots football, an agreement has been reached with InDrive, which will become the title sponsor of the Regions' Cup and will allocate 250 million tenge to organise a tournament among amateur teams, the winner of which will have the right to participate in the international UEFA Regions' Cup, as well as the Kazakhstan Cup and the Second League of the Republic of Kazakhstan'', - said Marat Omarov.

Also, the KFF president emphasised that the development of national teams is one of the priorities that require a systematic approach and long-term solutions.

''Particular attention should be paid to the squads of youth national teams - U-17, U-19 and U-21, because they will become the players of the national team in the future.

In this regard, it is very important to build a clear vertical structure in the training system, starting from the age of 15, so that the players could consistently pass all the stages of formation and adaptation to a higher level.

The appointment of the acting head coach of the national team Ali Aliyev, has received a positive response in the society, as he played for our national team, has a great experience of work in the regions, knows the players, and most importantly - is sincerely worried about the result and development of football in the country. We will give full support to Ali Khanalievich in his activities,'' - added Marat Omarov.

Marat Omarov noted that one of the key aspects of football development is improvement of infrastructure. In this regard, active work is underway on the construction of new full-size fields and modernisation of existing facilities.

''Now the KFF together with investors and local executive bodies is working on the issue of increasing the number of full-size pitches, reconstruction of the current stadiums, indoor arenas and academies, as well as modernisation of facilities. The ALAN football pitches renovation programme will continue. The renovation plans for 2025 include 9 fields in the following regions: Aktobe, Atyrau, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Qyzylorda, Mangystau, Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan regions.

At the same time, the federation is consulting on the construction of stadiums in Qyzylorda, Semey and Astana (Munaitpasov Stadium), as well as on the launch of projects in Shymkent, Atyrau and Karaganda.

Today in Kazakhstan there are more than 26,000 people per one football pitch, while in England this figure is 1,500, in Germany - 2,000, in Italy - 2,500, and in Russia - 12,500.’ said the KFF president.

In addition, Marat Omarov noted that one of the most important steps to improve the quality of Kazakhstani football is a deep reform in refereeing, which includes both training new referees and improving the work of the current process.

''The new leadership of the department will be set the task of training a new generation of referees and promotion the current work. In addition, foreign specialists will be attracted to the process.

On the technical side, the stadiums will be equipped with a new VAR system, and an agreement has been reached with the operator Kazakhtelecom to ensure uninterrupted communication and internet at infrastructure facilities,'' - said Marat Omarov.

In conclusion, the KFF leader noted that significant changes in the structure of the Premier League will be made in the new season.

''Since this year any naming betting companies will be excluded from the name of the Kazakhstan Premier League, and until the first round of the championship will work without naming. By the second half of the year we will announce a new title sponsor.

In addition, the football clubs will be relieved of the financial burden of providing logistics, as well as meeting and accommodating referees for home matches. To optimise logistics costs we are negotiating with Air Astana and Fly Arystan, that are ready to become our partners and support the flight of teams and referee crews. This will reduce the financial burden on clubs and the KFF, as well as make the organisation of competitions more efficient and convenient for all participants. We hope for a successful conclusion of negotiations and long-term co-operation, which will benefit the whole of Kazakhstani football.

We do not aim for immediate achievements, We are aimed to create a sustainable football system where everyone will work towards the same goal.

Reforms are inevitable. Without them, Kazakhstani football will not be able to reach a new level and become competitive in the international arena. That is why we will continue the course of renewal, using best practices, introducing digital technologies, attracting investment and ensuring transparency of all processes.

With the support of UEFA, the state, private business and, most importantly, everyone who loves football, we will be able to achieve our goals. Kazakhstan football deserves to be strong, and we will do everything to make sure that this path will lead us to new heights'', - summarised Marat Talgatovich.