Kazakhstan to prioritize football as an Olympic sport

Kazakhstan’s lawmakers are working on a draft law that would prohibit the use of state funds to finance foreign athletes. At the same time, the country will prioritize football (soccer) as an Olympic sport, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced.

Responding to a parliamentary inquiry from Senator Darkhan Kydyrali, Bektenov stated that members of the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, have developed and approved a draft law on physical culture and sports in the first reading.

«The draft law includes a provision banning the use of state funds to finance athletes who are not citizens of Kazakhstan. It also prioritizes football as an Olympic sport and reduces the number of sports funded by the government,» the prime minister emphasized.

Additionally, the Kazakhstan Football Federation and UEFA officials have approved a strategy for developing football in the country through 2034.

«This strategy outlines a comprehensive approach towards developing professional and amateur football in Kazakhstan. It includes plans to establish a system for training football players, transform professional football into a sustainable business industry and enhance performance in international competitions,» Bektenov said.

He also noted that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has completed a full inventory of sports facilities nationwide.

«There are 6,100 even surface courts for team sports (football, volleyball, streetball and workouts) across the country. Of these, more than 1,200 are located in rural areas. There are 358 sports centers in rural areas dedicated to year-round football, indoor football and various sports activities for children and adolescents. The country also has 28 major stadiums, with seating capacities ranging from 1,500 to 30,000,» Bektenov noted.

He also mentioned that a new stadium with a 10,000-seat capacity is currently under construction in Kyzylorda. A total of 12 new stadiums are planned for construction across the country.

«The work to bring all stadiums up to UEFA’s international standards will be carried out in phases. These initiatives will contribute to the development of football in Kazakhstan. Additionally, the Prosecutor General’s Office is responsible for addressing various wrongdoings in football. The cabinet is paying close attention to this area,» the prime minister concluded.

Earlier this year, Kydyrali raised the issue of mass sports, highlighting that Kazakhstan lacks children’s sports schools, football academies and mini-football fields.

In November, Kursiv.media reported that foreign athletes would still be allowed to play for Kazakhstani clubs, but their salaries would depend on private sponsors. The recently passed draft law prohibits financing foreign athletes using state budget funds or resources from the quasi-public sector.

Previously, Kursiv.media also reported that Football Club Shakhter, following the example of Hockey Club Barys, may part ways with its foreign players. This departure of foreign athletes from Kazakhstani professional sports is happening amid criticism from the Anti-Corruption Agency and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to reduce reliance on foreign talent.