Former president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), AR Khaleel passed away at his residence in the early hours of today, May 10. Khaleel Saab, 91, popularly known within the football circle was the President of KSFA for 28 years. He was also a part of the AIFF Executive Committee and held various posts in the AIFF including Treasurer and Vice President till 2018.
Khaleel represented the then Mysore state as a player and took over the reins of the Jawahar Union club as an administrator. He then became a member of the Bangalore District Football Association in 1953, took over as a Treasurer of the KSFA from 1961-81 and was later elevated to vice-president (1981-89). He became the president of the KSFA in 1989.
After serving seven terms, Khaleel resigned from the position of KSFA President due to his failing health in early 2017.
KSFA President and AIFF Vice President Mr N A Haris, visited Khaleel’s residence on TV Road and paid his respects to the departed soul at 2.30 AM this morning.
“Khaleel sab had rendered yeoman service to football both at the national as well as the state and district level. He was a passionate football lover, former player, owned one of the city’s famous football club Jawahar Union FC and an astute administrator,” Mr Haris said.
The burial service took place today at 6 PM.
