Pakistan Football League announces cash award, job for financially struggling footballer
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football League (PFL) on Wednesday announced a cash prize of Rs1 million [$3,573] and a 'prominent position' in the league for struggling footballer Muhammad Riaz, who made headlines recently after a video of him selling a popular street to make ends meet went viral on social media.
The announcement came days after Riaz, who represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, was seen in a video frying popular street snacks jalebis in the northwestern city of Hangu. The video went viral online, with netizens criticizing the government and sports bodies for ignoring the footballer.
Sports athletes in the subcontinent, including Pakistan, usually come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds before becoming household names overnight and attaining financial success.
'I on behalf of PFL would like to reward Muhammad Riaz with a prize money of Rs1 million and a prominent position in PFL as he is not only an excellent player but has also represented Pakistan at the global fronts on the soccer field,' the league quoted PFL Chairman Farhan Junejo as saying in a statement.
'And such amazing talent deserves all the support we can offer in our maximum capacity'
The PFL is a franchise league that says it is driven by a UK-based company with foreign investment solely committed to uplifting football from the grassroots to a professional level in Pakistan.
PFL said it took notice of the viral video and established contact with Riaz, describing him as a 'prime example' of thousands of talented footballers who are forced to quit their profession due to financial constraints.
'PFL remains committed in its objective to revive football in Pakistan and provide international training for all other footballers like Riaz,' the league said.
Riaz thanked the PFL for recognizing the hardships he had to deal with following the previous government's decision to suspend departmental sports.
'I am thankful to PFL for providing me an opportunity to showcase my lost love for football and ensure that I will be working together with PFL to make sure no other player remains neglected,' Riaz was quoted as saying.
The PFL said it would also make arrangements to provide Riaz training as per international standards to ensure football talent in the country doesn't go unnoticed.
It added that PFL would also offer free football kits and training facilities to footballers in Hangu.
The plight of football in Pakistan is a tale of unfulfilled potential, administrative chaos and lack of investment. Despite a passionate fan base and a pool of talented players, the sport has suffered due to mismanagement by governing bodies, political interference and inadequate infrastructure.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been marred by internal disputes and FIFA suspensions which have hindered the development of the game at all levels.
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