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PLC hosts player workshops in association with Abu Dhabi & Dubai Sports Councils

The Pro League Committee will stage two days of workshops targeted at professional players in the UAE, in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council, the AFC and FIFPro. The workshops will take place on Saturday 11th May in Abu Dhabi for players of the five Abu Dhabi-based clubs, and Sunday 12th May in Dubai for players of the nine clubs from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Organised by the Pro League Committee, the workshops have been designed with the objective of increasing players’ awareness about the rights and obligations of a professional footballer, securing the future as a professional footballer, and the issue of match fixing.

The workshop programmes will include appearances from revered guest speakers Mr. Brendan Schwab, Chairman of FIFPro Asia, and the international coach and manager Mr. Gerard Houllier, who will discuss the rights, obligations and future prospects of professional footballers, whilst representatives of FIFA and INTERPOL will tackle the issue of match fixing. Speaking ahead of the workshops, Member of the Executive Office of the Pro League Committee and Chairman of the Technical Committee, H.E. Abdulla N. Al Junaibi highlighted the drive towards achieving a high level of professionalism in UAE football: “We are delighted to partner with such strong organisations and individuals who seek to develop players and their understanding of the football industry. We intend to provide more workshops and seminars of this nature to continue the progression of professionalism amongst players in the UAE, to reach the level which we aspire to.”

Aref Al Awani, Director of Abu Dhabi Sports Care Program for Abu Dhabi Sports Council, commented on the importance of players planning for their futures: “I would encourage all players to attend workshops like this, as the content will prove beneficial for them, particularly for their future plans and finances considering the short career span of a footballer.” Ali Omar, Sports Corporations Director at Dubai Sports Council, added: “We are committed to attracting the best local and regional experts and international partners for these workshops, in the interest of the players and the local sports sector in general. We aim to comprehensively prepare the players for life on and off the pitch, provide them with new learning experiences, and help to support their careers in the long-term.”