With Tashiev's resignation from government positions, the question arose: will he also leave the football union, and what does this mean for the KFU and its future.
Current Situation
The KFU represents Kyrgyzstan in international football associations such as FIFA and AFC, manages international grants, and is responsible for infrastructure projects in the country. It is not just a sports organization but an important administrator in the areas of budget and international relations.
At the moment, Kamchybek Tashiev remains the president of the KFU, and there are no changes in the structure of the union.
KFU Press Service
Tashiev took the position of president of the KFU in February 2024. The head of the union is elected at a congress, and the executive committee does not have the right to dismiss anyone on its own. Its task is to organize the congress at least once a year, which includes representatives from football leagues, clubs, and regional associations. They are the ones who can both recall and elect a new chairman.
According to the charter, Kamchybek Tashiev's term expires in April 2026. The anticipation of his re-election or the emergence of a new leader remains relevant; however, Tashiev himself has not commented on his plans, nor have other football officials.
Concerns of the Football Community
In addition to personnel changes, there is another important issue: what will happen to the infrastructure, stadiums, and training bases?
In recent years, the development of football in Kyrgyzstan has become dependent on the influence of certain individuals.
The construction and distribution of resources were linked to the political weight of the head of the KFU, who was not only the head of the SCNS but also a close friend of the president, perceived as a person with significant authority.
With Tashiev's departure, concerns have arisen in the professional football community regarding funding, the pace of resource allocation, and the potential freezing of projects.
Nevertheless, the KFU states that all football facilities and teams continue to operate as usual. According to them, the system is functioning stably. Sports officials refer to the president's decree on the development of football for 2026-2034.
“This document confirms state support for the industry and the intention to continue funding and modernizing infrastructure. A national program has also been approved,” the KFU reports.
In the union, this decree is seen as protection against unexpected changes and they hope that the status of football as a popular sport among the elite will remain unchanged.
Football as an Important Phenomenon
Historically, the hobbies of the top officials of the state become popular among officials and businessmen. In the 90s, for example, the ruling elite in the CIS was actively engaged in tennis. Askar Akayev, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and Boris Yeltsin were known players.
Today, team sports such as hockey have become more popular in Russia and Belarus, where figures like Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko play. In Kyrgyzstan, football has become such a sport because the president himself is passionate about it.
Sports officials view the president's love for football as a significant advantage for the development of this sport and hope that Tashiev's resignation will not lead to changes in the football sphere.
