Uzbekneftegaz to end sponsorship of three football clubs

Uzbekneftegaz has announced that it will cease sponsorship of three professional football clubs, formally notifying the Uzbekistan Football Association of its decision to halt funding for Nasaf, Bukhara and Bunyodkor.

According to a source cited by Kun.uz, the state-owned energy company sent an official letter to the national football governing body confirming that financial support for the clubs will be discontinued.

The move comes shortly before the start of the new Uzbekistan Super League season, which is scheduled to kick off on February 27, in 15 days’ time. In the 2025 season, Nasaf finished third in the standings, Bunyodkor placed fifth, and Bukhara ended the campaign in 14th position.

The decision aligns with broader corporate restructuring measures announced earlier by Uzbekneftegaz. On January 30, during a meeting chaired by the President, the company’s future priorities were reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring financial sustainability.

As part of these efforts, Uzbekneftegaz signaled its intention to divest non-core assets, terminate sponsorship payments and optimize expenditures. The withdrawal from football sponsorship appears to be a practical implementation of this policy shift, aimed at reducing non-essential spending and improving the company’s financial stability.