Naber, Djeparov and Sasalak latest to join ‘Break the Chain’ campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: Jordan’s women’s team captain Stephanie Al Naber, Uzbekistan legend Server Djeparov and Thailand and Buriram United winger Sasalak Haprakhon are the latest Asian stars to support the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) commitment towards raising awareness in tackling the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The overwhelming backing of Member Associations, players and officials has seen numbers grow with close to 100 Asian football luminaries declaring their support behind the trending #Breakthechain campaign.

Naber, who featured prominently for her country in the last two AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournaments, including the historic Jordan 2018 edition which was staged in West Asia for the first time, said: “In every crisis, against any opponent, it is only by staying united that we will overcome our toughest obstacles. This is a critical moment in our history, and we must stand together to break the chain and stop the spread of this pandemic.

“We must listen to the advice of our health professionals. They are the true heroes who are risking their lives every day to keep us and our loved ones safe, so I call on everyone in Asia and around the globe to give them our full commitment and support.

“Let us show compassion for our communities and practice self-discipline through our actions and together, I am confident that we can break the chain.”

Also lending his voice to the campaign is two-time AFC Player of the Year winner and Uzbekistan’s most capped player, Server Djeparov, who added: “This crisis has brought some fear and uncertainty, but it has also revealed the best in all of us. Across the world, we are witnessing people from all walks of life coming together to do their part.”

“Every effort, regardless of how big or small, can make a big difference during this time of crisis.

“Let’s continue to do our part to break the chain. With some composure, a positive attitude, words of encouragement and acts of kindness, we can confront and overcome this outbreak together.”

The legion of Asian icons throwing their weight behind the AFC’S #Breakthechain campaign continues to rise each day with close to 100 big names committed to the cause.