Tokayev receives Atlético de Madrid CEO and presents him with the Order of Dostyk

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Spain's Atlético de Madrid, in Astana on October 22. The head of state praised the club's successful cooperation with Kazakhstan and said the visit could lift the partnership to a new level.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan is investing in modern football infrastructure, training facilities and youth development, and that the privatisation of most football clubs is continuing. He added that, together with FIFA, more than 100 new children's football pitches are being built across all regions, and that he is keen to study the Spanish national team's approach and football school.

Gil Marín thanked the president for supporting the sport and said the Atlético de Madrid Academy in Almaty Region could become one of the country's leading training complexes. At the end of the meeting Tokayev presented him with the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), II degree, for his contribution to Kazakh football.