Uzbekistan is going to allow bookmaker activity from 2021 to attract additional funds to further develop sports, especially football.
The decree, signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also sets out a range of goals to develop football, including making it attractive both for fans and investors, opening sports schools for children, and introducing Video Assistant Referee in national league games. The document also approved a framework for the development of Uzbek football until 2030.
Previously, some Uzbek officials had spoken in favour of legalising sports betting to make football attractive and to raise funds to popularise it.