[Archive 2012-09-10] Pakistani footballer Abdul Ghafoor dies aged 71

Historical archive — originally published 2012-09-10. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Former Pakistani international footballer Abdul Ghafoor has died in Karachi at the age of 71. Ghafoor, known as the "Pakistani Pele" died afer a long illness. He was the captain of the Pakistani national football team during the 1960s and 70s.

The PFF has come under some criticism from the Pakistani media about it's lack of support for Ghafoor in his five years of illness.

Ghafoor played his entire career in Pakistan playing for the Dhaka Mohammedan Club. He rejected offers to join clubs in such countries as Russia, China and Saudi Arabia to remain in his home country.

During his international career he is credited with being part of the best Pakistani national team ever. During this time Pakistan recorded victories over such nations as China and the United Arab Emirates. They were also successful in winning the 1974 Asian Games.

Today Pakistan have very little success in international football. They are ranked 177th in the FIFA World Rankings.

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