FC Astana has officially confirmed debts to its players and stated that the team will finish the season, reports infohub.kz.
The club responded to public reports about financial issues. Earlier, insider Eldar Amanbayev said that some players were refusing to take the field until salary arrears for three months, totaling 700 million tenge, were paid.
In an official statement published on the club's Instagram account, it said: "FC Astana confirms the existence of debt under certain contractual obligations to a number of first-team players, which led to a collective appeal. The club's management understands the players' position. Despite the financial difficulties, the players and coaching staff have long fully performed their professional duties, participated in training and official matches, and honorably defended the honor of FC Astana and the capital of Kazakhstan on the field."
The club stressed that they do not doubt the players' loyalty to the fans, the club, and its sporting goals, and called for avoiding speculation and hasty conclusions. "The club is taking necessary measures to fulfill its contractual obligations to the team. Regardless of how the situation develops, FC Astana will continue to compete in the national championship and will finish the season. The club will continue its work as usual," the statement said.
Astana also said they understand the obligations of each player and employee, including to their families, and called resolving the debt issue one of the priority tasks together with the club's founder. The question of the team's withdrawal from the Kazakhstan Premier League was not considered. "If necessary, it is possible to involve reserves, members of the youth team, or other eligible players in the main squad. The club ensures participation in all matches according to the calendar," the club concluded.
In the current KPL season, the seven-time champions of Kazakhstan occupy third place with 45 points after 23 matches. Above them are Shymkent's Ordabasy (55 points) and Almaty's Kairat (54 points).