Football in Turkmenistan

Football in Turkmenistan
CountryTurkmenistan
Governing bodyFootball Association of Turkmenistan
National team(s)men's national team
National competitions
International competitions

Football is the most popular sport in Turkmenistan, a country that gained independence in 1991. The national association regularly takes part in competitions organised by FIFA and the AFC at senior and youth level. Valeri Nepomniachi is probably the most famous name in Turkmen football. He was the coach who led Cameroon to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. The Africans surprised many with their 1–0 win over defending champions Argentina in the opening match and finally bowed out in the quarter-finals.[1] There are 40 clubs, 820 players, and 30 referees in the country. The largest stadium by capacity in Turkmenistan is the 45,000-capacity Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Olympic Stadium.

  1. ^ "Turkmenistan: FIFA Goal Programme". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2007. Retrieved 2013-12-03.