Benfica Becomes Official Partner For Pakistan Football League
SL Benfica has become an official partner and consultant for the launch of the Pakistan Football League’s (PFL) Pearl Project.
The groundbreaking initiative is aimed at developing professional football in Pakistan with $1bn of investment to mobilise a brand new sports economy in Pakistan’s football industry.
The partnership, which saw Benfica beat out several top English, Spanish and Italian clubs in the choice for this role, positions the club at the forefront of expanding football in a nation with a population of close to 250 million.
Former England international Michael Owen will be the global brand ambassador for the next three years.
“I am proud to be the Global Ambassador of Pakistan Football,” said Michael Owen during the PFL launch event.
“I visited Pakistan two years ago and was amazed by the passion and interest people have for football here. I am very excited for the future and am fully available to contribute to the development of football in Pakistan.”
Benfica representatives are in Pakistan for a series of high-profile events in the cities of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
“The month of June marks the launch of the Pakistan Football League, a project with the potential of 250 million inhabitants committed to launching a football league,” said Miguel Reis, SL Benfica Network Operations Coordinator for Global Expansion.
“Benfica was invited to present itself as the league’s technical partner to support its teams, coaches and players. As leaders in identifying and developing players, we had to take on this challenge. This project is another historic moment for Benfica, as we will be collaborating with an international league for the first time.”
With the support of SL Benfica, the Pakistan Football League aims to inspire a new generation of footballers and fans, bringing the beautiful game to new heights in the region.
The Portuguese club will be the central league incubator and feeder to ensure standards in football development are maintained. Benfica will lay the founding pillars of success with, train-the-trainer for local coaching staff and offer annual training master-classes in Lisbon for domestic players with the possibility of signing into the academy if proven as exceptional talent.
“We are here to discover the best talent. Football has millions of fans worldwide and we want to provide opportunities for our players to showcase their talent,” said Ahmar Kanwar President and CEO of Pakistan Football.
“From the northern areas of Pakistan, Chaman and Karachi there is raw talent everywhere. I am grateful to the international delegations that have come here. Together with international delegates and star players, we will strategise to improve football.”
