Head coach of the Uzbekistan national futsal team resigns due to health problems

Head coach of the Uzbekistan national futsal team steps down due to health reasons

Spanish specialist José María Méndez has left his post as head coach of the Uzbekistan national futsal team ahead of schedule. The reason was serious health issues, due to which doctors advised him to temporarily suspend his professional activities and undergo treatment.

Méndez wrote about his decision in a farewell letter to the President of the Futsal Federation of Uzbekistan, Bekzod Mamatkulov. The coach expressed regret that he was forced to end his work ahead of the term stipulated in the contract, and thanked the federation leadership for their understanding and accepting his resignation.

At the same time, the Spaniard assured that he will continue to follow the performances of the national team and believes in its qualification for the World Cup. He also stated his readiness to advise the future coaching staff of the national team if necessary.

Méndez took charge of the Uzbekistan national team again in March 2026, signing a two-year contract. Previously, he had already worked with the national team in 2011–2012 and 2014–2017. Under his leadership, Uzbek futsal players won bronze at the Asian Cup in 2014 and silver in 2016. The name of the new head coach has not yet been announced.

As a reminder, in February, the Futsal Federation of Uzbekistan dismissed the coaching staff of the national team led by Nodir Eliboev following the team's unsuccessful performance at the 2026 Asian Cup.