Turkmenistan’s football scene is buzzing with controversy as Arkadag FC, a club founded by former authoritarian leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, continues to dominate the national league. The team has sparked allegations of match-rigging and raised concerns about the state of football in the country.
Arkadag FC, named after the official title of Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, claims the majority of the national team’s players. Fans of rival clubs have cried foul, accusing the club of manipulating match outcomes.
Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who ran a repressive regime, handed over the presidency to his son Serdar Berdymukhamedov in 2022. He currently serves as the speaker of the Turkmen parliament.
The Arkadag club, established in April, is based in a newly constructed city bearing the same name. Berdymukhamedov designed the team’s logo and kit and signed many of the best players from other clubs before the season began.
Despite slipping up once in a friendly match against a North Macedonian second-division side, Arkadag FC has dominated the Turkmenistan league, winning all its league matches and securing top place with four games remaining.
However, allegations of match-fixing have marred the club’s success. Fans claim that referees have been biased in favor of Arkadag, citing incidents like a controversial penalty awarded in the 91st minute against Shagadam, leading to Arkadag’s victory.
Critics argue that Arkadag’s dominance is harming interest in football within the country. Turkmen football enthusiasts tend to support European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Chelsea, largely ignoring the local teams.
The controversy surrounding Arkadag FC sheds light on the state of football in Turkmenistan, where authoritarian leadership has historically influenced sports outcomes. While the club’s success is evident, questions persist about the fairness and integrity of the league.
As the club continues to win, the allegations of match-fixing raise concerns about the credibility of Turkmenistan’s football scene under the leadership of the Berdymukhamedov family, which has maintained a grip on power despite a change in presidential title.
The situation prompts reflection on the state of sports in autocratic regimes and the impact of political influence on athletic competitions.
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