Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov will sponsor Pakhtakor FC, according to a documentary on Uzbekistan 24. 80 % shares of Pakhtakor FC now reportedly belong to the businessman, who is the native of Uzbekistan, and has invested US$ 20 million for the club’s development.
"He gave the local football a great deal of hope. Much has changed in Pakhtakor over the past one year and a half. Thanks to Alisher Burhanovich, almost everything – the management, coaches, team philosophy - has changed. We have now all of it," said Shota Arveladze, the head coach of Pakhtakor FC.
It is reported that a new US$ 100 million stadium, meeting FIFA requirements, will be built in place of the current Pakhtakor stadium, which was built in 1959. "The plans are not yet fully disclosed to keep the fans interested," the dicumentary says.
Alisher Usmanov's interview was also featured in the documentary. "I am proud of being Uzbek. I am proud that this is my homeland. And I'm ready to do everything I can at any time to make benefit Uzbekistan. I wish Uzbekistan, the Uzbek people and its President the great successes," said the 64-year-old businessman.
In the early August Usmanov sold all the shares (30%) he held in FC Arsenal for a reported £ 550 million (US$ 713 million) to Stan Kroenke.
