The key facts

  • The UFA denied reports of Cannavaro's departure by issuing an official statement
  • The reason was the postponement of the Asian Cup from January 2027 to December 2027 — January 2028
  • The coach's contract was signed in the fall of 2025 under a 2+3 scheme

Official denial

The Football Association of Uzbekistan has denied reports that national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro might leave his post. In a statement, published on the organization's official channel, it is said that the circulating information 'does not correspond to reality,' and media outlets and fans are asked not to trust unconfirmed information and to rely on official statements.

Where the rumors came from

According to Kun.uz, the denial was a response to a post by well-known insider Fabrizio Romano, who earlier wrote that due to the postponement of the Asian Cup by a year, Cannavaro might leave his post as head coach of the Uzbekistan national team.

Context of the tournament postponement and the contract

The Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia was supposed to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027, but the AFC postponed the tournament: it will now start on December 23, 2027, with the final scheduled for January 21, 2028. The organization explained the decision by logistical difficulties and challenges related to travel in the region. Recall that Cannavaro's contract with the FAU was signed in the fall of 2025 under a 2+3 scheme: an extension for another three years is provided depending on the result at the Asian Cup.