Burmese soccer players get insurance coverage

by Kyaw Kha
Friday, 16 October 2009 21:28

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Some soccer clubs participating in the Myanmar National League have taken out insurance policies for its players, for coverage in the event of injuries during matches.

An official of Myanmar Insurance, the only insurance company in military-ruled Burma, said Magwe United FC and Yadanabon FC, among the eight clubs participating in the Myanmar National League, in September introduced ‘sports insurance’ for players.

The Yadanabon FC, which represents Mandalay division, has insurance coverage for players with the Mandalay branch of the Myanmar Insurance, while Magwe United has insured its players with the Rangoon branch of the insurance firm.

Aung Thein Tun, Deputy Manager of the State-run Myanmar Insurance told Mizzima, “when the clubs approached us, they gave us a list of names and we asked them to fill up forms. They were required to pay Kyat 3,000 [approximately US $ 3] for each player for the annual insurance.”

Aung Thein Tun said the company would provide medical expenses for the players after authorised approval by doctors. And in case of death and major injuries, the company will compensate Kyat 1 million [US $ 909].

However, the insurance company so far has not been able to run a check on the health of the players, being insured.

Though Myanmar Insurance, which is under the Finance and Revenue Ministry, introduced ‘sports insurance’ in 2003, this is the first time soccer clubs are going in for insurance coverage, the Deputy Manager said.

The insurance company will not discriminate between players and will treat all players including substitutes and foreigners at par, he added.