Slovak Football Association financial crisis

The Slovak Football Association (SFZ) is experiencing a significant financial crisis. Initially, reports indicated the organization faced debts exceeding 6.5 million euros, including more than 200,000 euros in unpaid bonuses and rewards owed to national team players from the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. SFZ President Ján Kováčik noted that the association was implementing austerity measures and seeking liquidity through factoring companies and funds from UEFA and FIFA.

By early September, the scale of the crisis appeared to have expanded. Slovak Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak reported that the combined liabilities of the SFZ and SFZ Marketing could reach 23.5 million euros by the end of 2025. Huliak highlighted that coaches, youth clubs, and suppliers have struggled to receive timely payments. In response, the government is discussing legislative amendments to the Sports Act and proposing a shift in funding models to distribute state money more directly to clubs, aiming to shield the broader football community from the association’s financial instability.