Portugal's football club announces support for Pakistan Football League

Portugal’s renowned football club, SL Benfica, has announced a partnership with the Pakistan Football League (PFL) Pearl Project. This innovative initiative aims to develop professional football in Pakistan and foster a new sports economy within the country’s football industry.

SL Benfica highlighted that this collaboration positions them as pioneers in football development in a nation of approximately 250 million people.

Currently, Benfica representatives are in Pakistan for several high-profile events in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. They attended the formal PFL launch in Lahore on June 4th, an event graced by football legends like Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Pascal Chimbonda, and Raúl Rodríguez. During their visit, they also met with senior government ministers who pledged full support for the football initiative.

"June marks the launch of the Pakistan Football League, a project aimed at engaging 250 million people in establishing a football league. Benfica has been invited to serve as the league's technical partner to support its teams, coaches, and players. As leaders in player identification and development, we embraced this challenge. This project is a historic moment for Benfica, marking our first collaboration with an international league," stated Miguel Reis, SL Benfica's Operations Coordinator for Global Expansion.

"For Benfica, this is a significant project with substantial responsibility. It ignites a passion for sport in children and guides them towards structured, professional football. Our goal is to develop young athletes and coaches, transforming the football landscape in Pakistan.

This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of football in Pakistan. With Benfica's support, the PFL aims to inspire a new generation of footballers and fans, elevating the sport in the region. 

Earlier, a delegation of Pakistan Football League (PFL) met with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Rana Sanaullah, to discuss the development of football in Pakistan.

During the meeting Rana Sanaullah announces support for PFL.