FC Semey strengthens as an investment asset: UEFA Futsal Champions League quarterfinals and Red Bull partnership
FC Semey is entering a new phase of development, bolstering EA Group's positions in Central Asia's sports and investment landscape. In December, FC Semey advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Futsal Champions League. In the second leg of the 1/8 finals on December 5 in Gliwice (Poland), Semey defeated Piast 5:3 after a 3:3 draw in the first leg. The team turned the game around in the second half. For the first time in Kazakhstan's history, two clubs have reached this stage of the tournament: Semey and Kairat. In the quarterfinals, Semey will face French Etuile (Laval): February 23 in France and March 6, 2026, in Semey. Ticket sales are already underway.
The club is also delivering strong results in domestic competitions. Semey currently tops the standings in the Kazakhstan Futsal Championship and has reached the quarterfinals of the Kazakhstan Futsal Cup. The semifinals and final are scheduled for December 27 and 28.
"These results open doors for strategic partnerships and commercial base expansion. We're seeing growing interest in futsal and Semey," commented Arsen Bulekov, development advisor for FC Semey.
In December this year, FC Semey also launched a partnership with Red Bull — a brand that has supported world-class teams for decades, including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and Formula 1 projects. This marks the first futsal sponsorship in Kazakhstan, with the partnership set for one year with an extension option.
The club focuses on audience engagement, content, and matchday experience. At the same time, investors treat FC Semey as a full-fledged portfolio company. For instance, to develop the commercial strategy, they brought in international consulting firm, a team with experience crafting strategies for European sports clubs.
Sports results are already translating into brand partnerships and audience growth, laying the foundation for monetization through sponsorships, merchandising, and international exposure.