Chocks away in Kazakhstan

By Timur Kamashev

The start of the new season in Kazakhstan was heralded by some important visitors to the former Soviet Republic.

Early doors
The Kazakhstan Championship began last weekend with FC Ekibastuzets going straight to the top of the table with a 4-1 victory at newcomers FC Bolat MSK Temirtau. Champions FC Kairat Almaty also kicked off with a win, 1-0 at home to FC Okzhetpes Kokshetau, while runners-up FC Irtysh Pavlodar prevailed 1-0 at FK Almaty.

Official visit
In mid-March, UEFA Executive Committee member Eggert Magnusson and UEFA national associations unit director Marcel Benz travelled to Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, to speak to club officials in an effort to underline the importance of UEFA's club licensing system.

Municipal representatives
Perhaps more importantly, the UEFA representatives also met municipal officials from the clubs' home towns to impress upon them the need to fulfil UEFA's financial criteria - particularly in terms of competing in club competitions - and there are high hopes Kazakh sides will be able to obtain their licences.

Coaching training
Meanwhile, Kazakh refereeing was also given a once-over by UEFA referees committee senior instructor, Aleksei Spirin, while experienced Czech instructor Zdenek Zivek paid a second visit to the country on the eve of the campaign, having previously held a seminar for league and national team coaches in the winter. Coaches have been studying for their UEFA B licence, with A licences set to be awarded to successful Kazakh coaches next year.