Renowned Uzbek football specialist Ravshan Irmatov has been appointed Deputy Chair of FIFA’s Football Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Committee, the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) press service reported.  

According to the FIFA Council's decision, Irmatov, who also serves as UFA First Vice President, will hold this position for the 2025–2029 term. Johannes Holzmueller, FIFA’s Director of Football Technology, chairs the committee. 

The Football Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Committee is one of FIFA’s most significant bodies, responsible for advancing the game through modern technologies. It focuses on developing, testing, and implementing innovations such as VAR, goal-line technology, semi-automated offside systems, digital monitoring, and artificial intelligence in football.  

In addition, UFA General Secretary Avaz Maksumov has been appointed to the Beach Soccer Committee, while Yuliya Panina, Head of UFA Women’s Football Development, has joined the Women’s National Team Competitions Committee. 

In recent years, UFA has collaborated closely with FIFA on a number of major projects. Uzbekistan hosted its first-ever FIFA-level tournament — the 2024 Futsal World Cup —
 and is set to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027.