LEEDS owner Andrea Radrizzani was hailed for rescuing a youth team from Afghanistan alongside…Kim Kardashian.
The unlikely duo helped 130 women’s footballers resettle in the UK having fled the Taliban.
American socialite Kardashian paid for a charter flight ensuring safe passage from Pakistan.
And after they landed yesterday, Radrizzani tweeted: “When I received a call asking for help to rescue the youth team from Afghanistan, I didn’t even know where to start.
“Today they flew to the UK. Proud to be part of the team to make this real. Let’s dream (that) one day they will play in @LUFC”.
The players were evacuated out of Afghanistan to escape the Taliban in September following the departure of allied troops in August.
Khalida Popal, the director of the Afghanistan women’s team, praised Radrizzani.
She said: “Thanks to all the amazing people and governments who made this possible. My girls will breathe in freedom soon.
“And many thanks to Kim Kardashian for funding the charter.”
Women in Football also praised the successful rescue.
They said: “Your British sisters in football give you the warmest welcome to our country and wish you peace and joy.”
Popal received the 2021 “Hero Award” on Monday from Fifpro, the world players’ union, for her efforts in evacuating hundreds of people from the country.
In her speech she spoke of having to advise young female players to burn their football kit in Afghanistan, amid fears of worsening treatment for women.
