DUSHANBE, 15.11.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino sent a letter of congratulations to the FC “Istiqlol”, which became the seven-time champion of Tajikistan, and to the President of Tajikistan Football Federation Rustami Emomali, the press service of the federation reports.

Infantino’s letter of congratulations, in particular, reads:

“Dear President,

FC “Istiqlol” are the 2018 champions of Tajikistan. It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest congratulations to FC Istiklol for their fifth consecutive championship!

This title is the result of the determination of everyone involved and my congratulations go to the players, the coach, the administration, the entire technical and medical staff as well as the fans for this great achievement.

On behalf of the entire football community, I would like to thank FC “Istiqlol” and your federation for helping to spread the positive message of football.

l remain at your disposal and look forward to meeting you soon”.

We will recall that this year Dushanbe’s FC “Istiqlol” won the seventh gold in its club history. Previously, the club became the champion of Tajikistan in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Next year, the seven-time champion of the country will debut in the AFC Champions League for the first time in the history of club football in Tajikistan. In order to reach the tournament group stage, “Istiqlol” needs to beat FC “AGMK” of Uzbekistan at the preliminary stage, and “Al-Nasr” of Saudi Arabia at the playoff round.