The Asian Football Awards Returns to Wembley Stadium – 25 September 2024
Online Nominations close on 20th August
The Asian Football Awards will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium on 25th September 2024. Now in its 5th edition, the event celebrates inspirational individuals and organisations making an impact for South Asians in the UK. It is supported by The FA, The Premier League, The PFA, PGMOL, and Fans for Diversity. Once again, the event will be hosted by Sky Sports News presenter Dharmesh Sheth.
Nominations for the awards are currently live online at www.asianfootballawards.com where people can nominate those, they think deserve recognition. The awards cover both men’s and women’s players, match officials, coaches, grassroots and community clubs, and those in the media.
Asian Football Awards founder, Baljit Rihal, stated: “Our last awards were in 2017, and so much has happened in the South Asian football space since then. There are many stories to be highlighted with people and organisations to be recognised. Yet, the overarching issue of underrepresentation in professional football for the South Asian community still exists. We believe that by reviving the awards, we can help increase awareness and not only encourage more into professional football but also make decision-makers at clubs more aware and be a catalyst to addressing this issue.”
Dal Singh Darroch, The FA’s Head of Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Programmes, said: “We’re delighted to once again welcome the Asian Football Awards to the home of English football. This will be an important opportunity to celebrate the inspiring work of those who are making a positive impact for South Asian communities across the UK. Creating opportunities for South Asian communities is very important to us, and we’re committed to using our influence to help drive this forward. We’ve made good progress in this area in recent years, however we know there’s much more work to be done, and it’s crucial that the footballing bodies continue to work together to ensure our game becomes truly representative. Asian communities make up the largest ethnic minority groups in the country and ensuring this is better reflected in our game will remain a strategic priority for us for years to come.”
The awards were launched in grand style at the magnificent Stoke Park estate in South Buckinghamshire on 18th June, when the nomination process was launched live. Football industry personnel, influential business experts, sponsors, and, most importantly, key members of the South Asian football fraternity were in attendance. These included Yan Dhanda, a professional player for Hearts in the Scottish Premier League, Sunny Gill, the first South Asian Premier League referee, and Manisha Tailor, a Premier League club International Development Coach.
Yan Dhanda said: “We have to start recognising Asian talent, not just footballers but people behind the scenes who are working hard to make a difference. Events like the Asian Football Awards make a big difference and inspire many people.”
Manisha Tailor added: “I think that’s the beauty of having awards like this, which not only bring different people together from all walks of life for a common goal and common passion, but also allow for greater visibility, particularly in amplifying the brilliant work being done by those from the South Asian community.”
The main event on 25th September will showcase the impactful work South Asians have done and are doing in UK football. It will feature a networking session, gala dinner, on-stage guest panel, and the award ceremony at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The Asian Football Awards recognises British South Asians with heritage from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
