Sports digest: Youth glory, referee scandals, and Champions League drama

The careers of referees involved in influencing sports results in Uzbekistan have come to an end, and the Uzbek youth football team stands on the verge of becoming Asian Cup champions. As usual, the week also brought surprises from the UEFA Champions League.

In this edition of QALAMPIR.UZ’s weekly sports digest, we discuss the most important sporting events. Welcome.

Uzbek Youth Players Reach the Asian Cup Final

In Saudi Arabia, the quarter-final of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup saw Uzbekistan face the UAE. The Uzbek team secured a confident 3-1 victory.

Asilbek Aliev opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a free kick from around 25 meters. In the 36th minute, he doubled the lead by finishing off a beautiful assist. Just before the break, Sayfiddin Sodikov converted a penalty to make it 3-0. In the second half, after growing complacent, Uzbekistan conceded in the 67th minute through UAE’s Muhammad Buti. No further goals were scored, and Uzbekistan advanced to the semifinals.

Then, on April 17, Uzbekistan faced North Korea in the semifinal and again delivered an impressive 3-0 victory.

The breakthrough came in the 31st minute with a goal from Sadriddin Hasanov. Soon after, North Korean player Kang Myong Bom received a red card. In the 62nd minute, Jamshidbek Rustamov added a second goal, followed by Abubakir Shukurullaev scoring in the 65th minute.

Although the Uzbeks missed a penalty in the first half, it didn’t stop Islam Ismailov’s squad from dominating the match.

Following the game, coach Islam Ismailov shared his thoughts on the win against the Koreans.

Now, the team led by Ismailov will face tournament hosts Saudi Arabia in the final on April 20 at 20:00 Tashkent time.

Interestingly, the same two teams met in the group stage, where Uzbekistan claimed a 3-0 victory.

Prominent Uzbek Referees Dismissed for Match-Fixing

The Football Association of Uzbekistan has announced the termination of several referees found guilty of manipulating match results. The list includes Aziz Asimov, Rakhim Karimov, Akobirkhodja Shukurullaev, and Abdurashid Khudoyberganov.

The announcement came following an Ethics Committee meeting on April 14, which reviewed allegations made in a January 9 letter from the Professional Football League of Uzbekistan. The committee examined the involvement of the referees in influencing match outcomes.

Aziz Asimov and Rakhim Karimov officially ended their refereeing careers after admitting to mistakes. Akobirkhodja Shukurullaev, Abdurashid Khudoyberganov, and Firdavs Norsafarov were temporarily suspended for technical errors.

The Ethics Committee has now lifted the temporary bans on these referees, allowing them to resume officiating in domestic competitions like the Super League, Pro League, First League, Uzbekistan Cup, and Super Cup.

Akmal Shorahmedov Criticizes Stadium Demolitions in Tashkent

Famous Uzbek footballer Akmal Shorahmedov expressed frustration over the demolition of multiple stadiums in Tashkent, replaced by residential buildings. Speaking to QALAMPIR.UZ voiced his concerns.

"In Tashkent, more than a dozen stadiums have been replaced by buildings. How can football and sports grow in such conditions? Previously, every neighborhood had a stadium. Who will protect them now? Every year, more children want to play football, but we’re reducing the number of stadiums. Then we wonder why they’re glued to phones," Shorahmedov said.

He specifically noted that a multi-storey complex is being built where the historic Textile Stadium once stood. He warned that the lack of natural-grass stadiums may push youth away from sports and toward social media.

Barcelona and PSG Advance in the Champions League

On April 16, the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second legs delivered intense drama. Aston Villa hosted PSG and won 3-2, while Borussia Dortmund defeated Barcelona 3-1.

At Signal Iduna Park, Girassi scored a hat-trick for Dortmund, netting in the 10th, 49th, and 76th minutes. Barcelona’s Bensebaini scored an own goal in the 54th minute. Despite the loss, Barcelona advanced to the semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate win. They will face the winner of Inter vs Bayern.

This was Barcelona’s first defeat of 2025.

In Birmingham, PSG struck early through Achraf Hakimi in the 11th minute, followed by Nuno Mendes in the 27th. Aston Villa replied with goals from Youri Tielemans (34’), John McGinn (55’), and Ezri Konsa (57’). Donnarumma made key saves to preserve the score. Despite the loss, PSG went through with a 5-4 aggregate victory and will face the winner of Real Madrid vs Arsenal.

No Comebacks: Real Madrid and Bayern Eliminated

On April 17, the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals continued. Real Madrid lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal, and Inter drew 2-2 with Bayern in Milan.

In Madrid, Mbappe had an early goal disallowed for offside. Arsenal missed a penalty through Saka in the first half, but he redeemed himself in the 65th minute with a goal. Minutes later, Vinicius equalized after Saliba’s defensive error. In injury time, Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner. With this 5-1 aggregate victory, Arsenal eliminated the 14-time champions and booked a semifinal clash with PSG.

Meanwhile, Inter and Bayern played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Milan. Kane opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Martinez equalized shortly after. Pavard scored against his former team to give Inter the lead again, but Eric Dier equalized in the 76th minute. The match ended 2-2, and Inter progressed 4-3 on aggregate. They will now face Barcelona in the semifinals.

The semifinal first legs will be held on April 30 and May 1, with return legs on May 7 and 8.