"If Uzbekistan reach the semi-finals and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria next year, they will receive a reward of US$200,000," said Mirabror Usmanov.

"Football is much more than a sport for us Uzbeks as it keeps us healthy and fit and the federation’s move will go a long way in providing more motivation to the team," added Usmanov.

The Uzbeks, who are coached by Russian Robert Gai, were drawn with Iran, Bahrain and Singapore in Group A and open their campaign at the Pakhtakor Stadium on October 4, 2008, against the Singaporeans.

Uzbekistan have qualified for the competition after 2004 when they failed to advance past the group stage.