Pakistani-Origin Businessman Plans to Take Over Plymouth Parkway FC
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Kuwaiti-Pakistani businessman Muizz Ahmed Mirza is moving toward taking control of English non-league football club Plymouth Parkway FC, with plans to develop the club and target promotion to the English Football League (EFL) within the next decade.
Mirza confirmed at a press conference in London that heads of terms have been signed with Plymouth Parkway, beginning the process for a new ownership and operating structure.
Born in Karachi and based in Kuwait, Mirza told Geo News that he wants to develop Parkway into a professional full-time club while maintaining its connection with the local community.
His stated goal is to see the club reach the EFL within 10 years.
Plans for Professional Development
Under the proposed plans, Plymouth Parkway could become a full-time professional club within the next 12 to 18 months.
Investment is also planned for the club’s academy, infrastructure and stadium facilities as part of the proposed development program.
Founded in 1988, Plymouth Parkway currently plays its home matches at Bolitho Park and competes in the Southern League Premier Division South, which is part of the seventh tier of the English football pyramid.
The club is also a local rival of Plymouth Argyle, who compete at a higher level in the English football system.
Mirza’s international education company has reportedly worked with more than 3,000 international students and has partnerships with more than 600 universities worldwide.
Linking Education and Football
One of Mirza’s proposals is to combine football and education by creating opportunities for students to play competitive football while learning about areas such as club management and the commercial side of the sport.
He said the proposed investment would focus on developing the club’s existing structure rather than changing its identity.
Plymouth Parkway chairman Mark Russell and vice-chairman Gez Baggott said the agreement represents an important stage in the club’s development. They also said the plans could help increase the club’s international profile while maintaining its strong links with Plymouth.
Potential Pakistan Football Collaboration
Mirza also revealed that discussions are taking place with the Pakistan Football League (PFL) about a possible collaboration.
As part of the proposed partnership, he wants to create internships, training opportunities and development programs for young people from Pakistan at Plymouth Parkway.
The plans could also provide opportunities for British-Pakistani footballers to gain experience and exposure within the English football system, subject to available pathways and club requirements.
The proposed takeover and development plans are now moving through the relevant stages before any ownership change is completed.
