"We’ve made good progress in this area in recent years"
The Asian Football Awards will be held at Wembley Stadium on September 25, 2024.
Now in its 5th edition, the event celebrates inspirational individuals and organisations making an impact on British South Asians in the UK.
The event is supported by The FA, the Premier League, the PFA, PGMOL, and Fans for Diversity.
Sky Sports News presenter Dharmesh Sheth will return to host the awards ceremony.
Award nominations are currently open online and will close on August 20, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
The Asian Football Awards cover both men’s and women’s players, match officials, coaches, grassroots and community clubs, and those in the media.
Baljit Rihal, founder of the Asian Football Awards, said:
“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 at the iconic Stoke Park on June 18 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, who plays 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 event will recognise the work South Asians have done and are doing in British football.
It will feature a networking session, a gala dinner, an on-stage guest panel, and the award ceremony at Wembley Stadium.
The Asian Football Awards recognises British South Asians with heritage from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
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