Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An Uzbek delegation held working talks with the holding company City Football Group and the football club Manchester City, the press service of the National Olympic Committee reported.

Leaders of the NOC and the Uzbekistan Football Association are on a visit to Manchester, where they discussed prospects for cooperation with City Football Group and Manchester City.

Officials from the Uzbek side met with the Group’s Chief Operating Officer Roel de Vries, Managing Director Danny Wilson, Director of Football Business Clive Reeves, and other top executives. The discussions focused on the development of Uzbek football, the introduction of innovative approaches, the establishment of a modern academy, the improvement of club infrastructure, and the application of international best practices.

Representatives of City Football Group noted that Uzbekistan’s qualification for the World Cup reflects the high level of football in the country, and that interest in Uzbek football has grown following the transfer of defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

The talks also touched upon the potential integration of one of Uzbekistan’s clubs into the City Football Group system. During the visit, the delegation will tour Manchester City’s academy and study its player development system.