SAFA provides a strategic platform to drive policy change, support community development, and ensure South Asian communities across the UK are properly represented, supported, and celebrated within football.

Our objectives include:

• Acting as an independent voice for British South Asians in football
• Working with stakeholders to shape fair and inclusive pathways into the sport
• Identifying and addressing structural barriers to progress
• Monitoring and encouraging accountability on diversity and inclusion commitments
• Championing the cultural and historical contribution of South Asians to British football

SAFA is governed by a voluntary board made up of leading professionals across law, sport, media, and governance. The board reflects a deep and credible connection to both football and community leadership.

SAFA Board Members:

Rupinder Bains (Co-Chair)

Managing Director, Pinder Reaux & Associates Solicitors. Former Non-Executive Director, The FA.

Abu Nasir (Co-Chair)

Sports consultant, former Chair, Muslim Sports Council, advisor to Premier League clubs and former FA National Game Board member.

Baljit Rihal (Secretary)

FIFA-licensed football agent, founder of the Asian Football Awards and long-standing advocate for South Asian inclusion in football.

Yashmin Harun (Treasurer)

Chair, Muslimah Sports Association, FA Council member, London FA Director and former FA National Game Board member.

Jarnail Singh (Member)

Former Football League referee, advisor to The FA and PGMOL on refereeing matters.

Dev Trehan (Member)

First British South Asians in Football journalist in mainstream media, founder of Trehan Football, talent developer and curator of the world’s first timeline of South Asian heritage players in the women’s game.