Football woes: Kaleemullah reaches out to FIFPro [Express Tribune]

by Natasha Raheel

KARACHI: Pakistan footballers may finally get a chance to come together to form an association, given that Kaleemullah has been in contact with  the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) this month as he seeks empowerment for players this year.

“I’ve gotten in touch with FIFPro officials and they really feel for us and our situation,” Kaleemullah told The Express Tribune. “We talked about the problems of the players. We don’t get to play international fixtures now, the players do not have a say in any matter and it is basically about our rights and concerns with the Pakistan Football Federation as well.”

Kaleemullah said his initial interaction with FIFpro has been beneficial and uplifting for him and the other Pakistan players. He added that former Pakistan captain Zesh Rehman had helped him get in touch with the federation’s officials.

“It is a relief to know that we can start something that will benefit players in the long run,” said the 23-year-old striker.

“This will provide a platform for players to raise their voice at big forums including the Asian Football Confederation too. It’s an opportunity for us and hopefully things will start to roll in September.”

Kaleemullah said it is going to be an inspiring experience for Pakistani players as they have never been taken seriously before, while the federation has never worked on player development either.

“FIFPro helps players in the process of setting up the association, it covers everything from legal aspects to health and education,” he said.

“For our part, we’ll need to learn the basics of management.”

On the other hand, FIFPro deputy chairman Tak Yamazaki said that he was aware about the problems that players are facing in Pakistan; however, it is still too soon to comment on the prospective formation of a players association for the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2016.