LAHORE: Restoration of FIFA membership opened international doors for Pakistani footballers here with invitation starting flowing in to represent in foreign leagues.
Immediately after the lifting of FIFA suspensions on Pakistan, the international professional football clubs have started reserving places for young talented Pakistani footballers. In this regard, player from Bannu, KPK, Pakistan’s renowned national team goal keeper Saqib Hanif has become the first player to be signed by Maldives professional club, MAALHOS FC.
Saqib will leave for Malay, the capital of Maldives through Colombo, from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore from Sri Lankan Air Lines flight UL 186. He has been a part of BG Sports FC, Maldives to play professional league in seasons 2016 and 2017.
Satisfied Saqib Hanif said, “I must say that the opportunities are being created for Pakistani players to play professional football abroad in result of the rigorous efforts made by the PFF and its President who have been very keen to promote the young football playing talent of Pakistan,” Saqib added. Saqib Hanif who was a part of the Pakistan’s national football team which beat India in India in a historical 2 match series in 2014 when India had a much higher FIFA ranking than Pakistan. He also represented Pakistan against Afghanistan which also was at a higher FIFA ranking than Pakistan, in 2015 in Lahore.