A Tête-à-Tête with UEFA Boss Aleksander Čeferin and Tokayev's Order of "Dostyk" Award
A Glimpse into the Meeting
Awarded UEFA President with Order of Friendship by Toqaev
On a sunny day in Astana, April 25, 2025, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. The discussion spotlighted the surging craze for football in Kazakhstan, with close to a million locals (13% of all sports enthusiasts) donning their jerseys[1][3][5]. Tokayev expressed heartfelt appreciation for UEFA's backing and underscored the need for a business model that fosters a market economy within local football, alongside boosting club management[1][3][5].
Increasing the Ties
With a smile, Čeferin agreed to broaden cooperation between UEFA and Kazakhstan, acknowledging the robust relationship that UEFA already shares with the Kazakhstan Football Federation[1][2][3]. In turn, Tokayev wholeheartedly endorsed UEFA's initiative to launch educational and exchange programs to elevate the expertise of coaches, specialists, and young players alike[3][5].
The Order of "Dostyk" Award
To express his admiration for Čeferin's endeavors in fostering sports in Kazakhstan, Tokayev presented him with the prestigious Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the II degree. Established in 1995, this esteemed honor is bestowed upon individuals who excel in maintaining international relationships and furthering harmony among nations[3].
Significance of the Alliance
The deepening relationship between UEFA and Kazakhstan is a vital step to elevate the nation's football standards and boost regional visibility. This budding partnership symbolizes the broader initiatives by Kazakhstan to strengthen its alliances with European organizations, echoing the country's economic and trade pacts with the European Union, which highlight Kazakhstan's strategic position and international camaraderie[4].
[1] Akorda, (2025). Official Telegram channel of Akorda. Available at: https://t.me/akorda_president[2] UEFA, (2025). UEFA.com. Available at: https://www.uefa.com[3] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, (2005). Government of Kazakhstan. Available at: http://mfa.gov.kz[4] European Union, (2021). European External Action Service. Available at: https://eeas.europa.eu[5] The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Official Website. Available at: https://www.akorda.kz
- UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, a recipient of the prestigious Kazakh Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the II degree, is committed to increasing cooperation between UEFA and Kazakhstan, acknowledging the strong relationship UEFA already shares with the Kazakhstan Football Federation.
- In their meeting, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude for UEFA's backing of Kazakh football and emphasized the need for a business model that fosters a market economy within local football, alongside enhancing club management.
- With the growing football craze in Kazakhstan, approximately a million locals now don football jerseys, and Tokayev endorsed UEFA's initiative to launch educational and exchange programs to enhance the expertise of coaches, specialists, and young players.
- The deepening relationship between UEFA and Kazakhstan is significant as it aims to raise the nation's football standards and increase regional visibility, symbolizing broader initiatives by Kazakhstan to solidify alliances with European organizations, and mirroring the country's economic and trade pacts with the European Union.
