KFF Academy Awarded FIFA Talent Academy Status

The Kazakhstan Football Federation has become the ninth association in the world, and the second representative of UEFA, whose academy has received the FIFA Talent Academy status. The project was made possible through close cooperation between KFF and FIFA and is aimed at developing young players in line with international training standards.

The event was attended by FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development Steven Martens, KFF General Secretary David Loriya, FIFA Head of High Performance Programme Ulf Schott, FIFA Legend and World and European Champion with the French national team Christian Karembeu, as well as veterans of Kazakhstani football and KFF Academy trainees.

The ceremony opened with a welcoming speech by Kazakhstani football veteran Kuralbek Ordabayev:

"In 1994, the Kazakhstan Football Federation became a full member of FIFA. Today, years later, with FIFA’s support, we are opening an academy whose main mission is to help children and young players unlock their potential and find their path into professional football. The work we are doing today lays the foundation for the future of Kazakhstani football. I am confident that the academy’s graduates will soon represent domestic clubs and the national team, bringing glory to Kazakhstan on the international stage," Ordabayev said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also addressed the participants in a video message:

"The FIFA Talent Academy is a vital investment in the dreams of young players. It will help identify, nurture and develop local talent, opening the door for boys and girls to realize their potential both regionally and globally.

We aim to contribute to social and personal growth, to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership through football—ensuring that players not only succeed on the pitch but also grow into responsible and valuable members of society," he stated.

FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development Steven Martens emphasized the importance of this project:

"Today is a big day for Kazakhstani football. The Kazakhstan Football Federation Academy becomes the first in Central Asia and the ninth in the world to be recognized as a FIFA Talent Academy. FIFA’s Talent Development Programme in Kazakhstan is focused on producing more quality players for professional football and the national team.

My main message is that this project, which has brought us together here today, holds tremendous promise. It simply needs time to bear fruit in the years ahead," Martens noted.

KFF General Secretary David Loriya underlined that the establishment of a FIFA Talent Academy in Kazakhstan is a crucial step toward building a sustainable youth football development system:

"The Head of State has repeatedly emphasized the need to take football in Kazakhstan to a new level, paying special attention to infrastructure development, stadium construction, training of specialists, as well as support for grassroots and youth football. Today’s event fully aligns with this vision and our football development strategy.

The official recognition of our academy as a FIFA Talent Academy is both an acknowledgement from the international football community and a major responsibility.

We have always said that the future of football does not rely on instant results but on systematic work with youth. Today’s event proves that we are on the right track.

I would like to thank FIFA for their trust. We will continue to work with full commitment to live up to this status and to develop a new generation of players who will represent Kazakhstan with pride on the international stage," Loriya said.

Following the speeches, FIFA representatives presented KFF officials with a plaque symbolizing the official recognition of the academy as a FIFA Talent Academy.

After the official ceremony, an open training session and a friendly match between KFF Academy teams were held. Following the match, young players had the opportunity to interact with Christian Karembeu, who shared his personal journey and offered advice to the aspiring footballers.

The event concluded with an award ceremony for the young players. All match participants received commemorative medals and gifts from FIFA to mark this historic occasion. The awards were presented by Kazakhstani football veteran Kuralbek Ordabayev, FIFA Legend Christian Karembeu, as well as former Kazakhstan national team players Samat Smakov and Dmitriy Byakov.