Karachi, December 29, 2014: As part of “I am Karachi” activities, Karachi United Football Foundation (KUFF) unvelied “I am Karachi Football League 2015” and “I am Karachi FIFA Football X-Box Gaming Tournament” at a local hotel here today.
Saad Amanullah, consortium member of I am Karachi, highlighted that I am Karachi is a city-wide peace campaign by civil society organizations including KUFF and concerned individuals in response to the ongoing violence in the city.
KUFF CEO, Imran Ali remarked that he felt great joy at the launch of the 12th edition of the KFL given the message of peace, tolerance and diversity as this was undoubtedly the burning desire of every Karachi’ite. Imran also acknowledged the presence an praised the effort of KUFF Coaches and players with four KUFF players who represented Pakistan Under 12 team in Iran including Captain, Zaid Umar.
Raheem Baksh Baloch, Secretary District West Football Association lauded the efforts of Karachi United in promoting football and further appreciated the “I am Karachi” initiative.
TahaAlizai, representing Karachi United FC, briefed the media about the structure and format of the “I am Karachi Football League” i.e. that as with earlier editions, 20 top football clubs from across the city would be participating in the event. The matches would be played between January and April 2015 in different grounds of the city, including KMC Stadium, Mohd. Ali Shah Stadium and Peoples Stadium. The 20 Clubs (all affiliated with the different District Football Association) involved in this season’s edition include defending Champions, Khyber Muslim, hosts, Karachi United FC, FC Rovers, Burma M’Dan, Irfan Memorial, Salar Welfare Centre, Azad XI, Hunter Sports, 16 Star, Rizwan Sports, Jehangir Memorial, Wahab XI, Usmanabad Union, Lyari Brothers, Azam Sports, Muslim Brothers and National Fighter, divided into two Groups of 10 teams each. In the Group Stage, each team in each Group will play each other once and the top 4 from each Group will advance to the Super League. In the Super League, again, each team will play each other once with the top 4 advancing to the Playoffs i.e. the semi-finals. The Grand Final will be targeted for some time in the middle of April 2015.
Various officials representing the Sindh Football Association / District Football Associations and past and present footballers were also present on the occasion including Mr. Gulab Baluch, President of District South Football Association, Mr. Murad Bakhsh, Secretary, District South Football Association, Mr. Zafar Iqbal, President of District West Football Association, Mr. Aqeel Tazim Naqvi, President District Central Football Association, Mr. Usman Shah, Vice President, District East Football Association,Captain Obaidullah Khan, Secretary District East Football Association, Mr. Asif Zaheer, Secretary District Central Football Association, Mr. ShahidTaj, Secretary District Malir Football Association, and Mr. Riaz Ahmed, Organizing
Secretary KFL. They all complimented KUFF on its ongoing efforts viz. football and lauded the aims of the “I am Karachi”program and fully supported the initiative.
Also as part of the I am Karachi activities, KUFF also launched the FIFA Football Gaming Tournament which will feature 520 participants playing a FIFA 15 World Cup event on X-Boxes at various venues. Usman Iqbal of KUFF highlighted the format and details of the event. The top 32 will qualify to participate in the final World Cup event with the winners, runner-up and third placed individuals being given various interesting prizes.
