SAFF Championship: Pakistan's participation still uncertain, Federation appeals govt on Twitter
THE PAKISTAN FOOTBALL TEAM are still unsure whether they will be allowed to travel to India this weekend.
The Pak Shaheens are scheduled to take on the Blue Tigers on the 21st of June, in their first match at the SAFF Championship 2023. They are currently playing at a four nation tournament in Mauritius.
The team requires a 'No Objection Certificate' from Pakistan's Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) which, it appears, has not been granted yet. Today, the Pakistan Football Federation's official twitter account posted a public appeal to the IPC ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board requesting the NOC, as their scheduled departure is just days away.
Hi @mo_ipc @SportsBoardPak
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) June 15, 2023
Would love it if you can provide us with an update on the NOC for the SAFF Championships which are all set to start in India on the 21st.
We plan to travel on the 18th. Hoping to get the clearance so that we can manage things accordingly. pic.twitter.com/i2n8KaF6rp
The host of the tournament, All India Football Federation, have already worked with the Indian government to ensure that the team is given the permission to travel to Bengaluru and participate in the highly anticipated competition.
The Pakistan team's performance against Kenya yesterday, where they went down 1-0 in a highly competitive match, has further raised expectations that the newly-built squad - which includes a number of players who play club football in Europe - is working better as a unit with each passing day and may put up a strong performance at SAFF.
However, whether they will ultimately travel to India or not still hangs in the balance due to the NOC still not being granted.
Pakistani football fans have been vocal about this issue for weeks, demanding that their team is afforded the opportunity to take part in the tournament. And in an official video from PFF, even the players in the team had joined in to appeal for permision.
The Pakistan Football Team has a special message for all of you#wearepakistanfootball #dilsayfootball #shaheens pic.twitter.com/JUgua9eoWf
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) June 3, 2023
Last time the SAFF Championship was held in India in 2015, Pakistan were unable to participate due to a FIFA suspension. This time, it is hoped, that the team will visit India for the first time in a decade. In a podcast interview with TFG, Ali Ahsan, editor of FootballPakistan.com, expressed hope that the NOC would be granted, albeit at the last moment.
That leaves us with another 72-odd hours' time for the NOC to be granted, for the team to make it to Bengaluru on time.
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