DUSHANBE, 18.07.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – Match commissioner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mikhail Tolkachev from Kyrgyzstan, conducted an inspection of the Central Stadium in Tursunzoda, nominated to host matches of the continent’s second-tier club competition — the AFC Cup 2025/26, reports the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

The AFC representative, along with officials from the Football Federation of Tajikistan and the football club Regar-TadAZ, examined the infrastructure of the city’s main sports arena — the TALCO Arena, which, if approved by the AFC, will be officially referred to as the Central Stadium of Tursunzade during the AFC Cup matches.

The inspection focused on the stadium’s compliance with AFC requirements regarding pitch quality, seating capacity and facilities for fans and VIPs, security measures, lighting, locker rooms and official areas, media working conditions, and other criteria.

Following the inspection, the AFC representative provided recommendations to address certain shortcomings at the Central Stadium of Tursunzoda.

The management of Regar-TadAZ football club expressed readiness to promptly implement all necessary measures to ensure the venue meets international standards for hosting matches.