Malappuram: Former India international footballer U. Sharafali has said that Sevens football has played a crucial role in nurturing national and international football talent from the Malabar region.

He was speaking after releasing “Sevens”, a novel on Sevens football written by journalist V.M. Subair, at a function held at the Press Club here. Sharafali noted that had Sevens football not evolved the way it did, Kerala’s football history would have taken a different course.

At the same time, he observed that the present state of Sevens football is a matter of concern for true lovers of the game. Though it has grown financially, he questioned whether the sport still offers the same sense of satisfaction as in the past.

The first copy of the novel was received by Super Ashraf, manager of Malappuram Super Studio Club. Press Club president S. Mahesh Kumar presided over the function.

Carne Books editor C. Gauridasan Nair, writer C.K. Hassan Koya, Malayala Manorama coordinating editor Antony John, Mathrubhumi News editor R. Girish Kumar and Press Club secretary V.P. Nisar also spoke on the occasion. The author, V.M. Subair, delivered the vote of thanks.