APL

On September 3, 2014 the Afghan football delegation visited England as a part of the football cooperation formed between the two nations last year. This visit was a key part of the 2-year football partnership between the English Football Association, the English Premier League, the Afghan Football Federation (AFF) and the Afghan Premier League, which was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron in Helmand in December 2013.

The Afghan football delegation, led by AFF President Keramuddin Karim and RAPL Commissioner Shafic Gawhari had the opportunity to learn from England's experience of football governance at the national and professional league level, which will help them further develop the game in Afghanistan.

The trip kicked off in London at 10 Downing Street, where the delegation met with English Prime Minister, David Cameron, who has always shown a great support for football in Afghanistan.

The next day they were invited to the English Premier League’s Headquarters, and a friendly football match between England and Norway at Wembley Stadium in London. England won the match 1-0, after Wayne Rooney scored a penalty in the 68th minute.

Following the friendly the delegation met with Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore. Where they learned about the history, governance and structure of the Premier League, as well has how the Premier League develops young players and works with local communities in the UK and internationally.  

Afghan Premier League (APL) Deputy Commissioner Omar Akhbar said:

"The English Premier League began through a successful partnership between the media and football. This is what the APL is trying to achieve in Afghanistan now. The APL can use the English Premier League's experience over the past 22 years, including its effective rules and regulations, as a Road Map to develop the game in Afghanistan."

On day three the Afghan football delegation returned to Wembley Stadium and spent the day with the English Football Association (The FA) learning how The FA develops football in England. The FA was established in 1863 and the first football association in the world.

On the next day the Afghan delegation spent yesterday at St George's Park, the England Football Association's world-class national football centre, met the England men's national team and had a training session with ex-Liverpool striker and now FA Ambassador Michael Owen.

On day five the delegation returned to London to play a friendly match against the BBC's Persian Service. Coach Kargar and the delegation were also guests of honor at football trials organized by Afghan residents in London for promising young Afghan football players.

Next the Afghan delegation visited Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. They also attended the Soccerex football festival at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. The delegation watched an exciting 5-a-side competition between teams made up of top-class football legends: Louis Saha, Faustino Asprilla, Jari Litmanen and Jay-Jay Okocha. 

On day seven the Afghan football delegation attended the Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester. It is the football industry’s leading business event, which brings together thousands of football’s most senior decision makers for networking, learning and business.

The Afghan football delegation's tour ended with a visit to Manchester City Football Club’s facilities, including the Etihad Stadium and its new world class City Football Academy. They also met Manchester City’s Women’s team.