Former Al-Wasl and Ajman player Hassan Zahran emphasized the need to protect football players after retirement amidst the difficult living conditions imposed by modern lifestyles. He stressed that the responsibility for this protection lies with both clubs and the football association. Zahran was among a group of players and administrators calling for steps to ensure a better future for former players who find themselves without a stable income source after their careers end, making them vulnerable. He highlighted the need for clubs and federations to fulfill their responsibilities by providing adequate pensions, such as deducting percentages from players' contracts during their careers or creating a player position with a retirement salary. Zahran stated that supporting this project is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially since most professional and amateur players do not receive exorbitant salaries that would guarantee them a decent life after retirement. Most of their salaries are spent on daily needs, and at the end of their sports careers, income sources are cut off, leaving them without financial resources. Zahran also proposed that clubs organize specialized courses for players in business, marketing, investment, and other fields to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a professional path after retirement. He added: 'I recall that once I asked the management of a club I was playing for to invest my annual contract in his projects, but they refused. I had no background in this field, and I believe this was one of the biggest problems faced by my generation of players. At that time, we had the money, but we did not know how to invest it correctly to lay a solid foundation for our lives after retirement.'
