Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan players fear a PFF suspension would destroy careers

Pakistan players fear a PFF suspension would destroy careers

Pakistan's men's and women's national team players fear their careers could be jeopardised with the country's football federation (PFF) staring at a FIFA ban after a forced takeover of its national headquarters in Lahore.

A group of football officials led by Ashfaq Hussain, which was elected by the Supreme Court in 2018 to run the PFF but was not recognised by FIFA, took over the headquarters on Saturday and seized control from the FIFA Normalisation Committee headed by Haroon Malik, local media reported.


Ashfaq refused to relinquish control despite a warning from FIFA, football's world governing body, which condemned the incident and said the federation could be banned "should the illegitimate occupation of the headquarters not be lifted" by 8pm Wednesday.

Pakistan forward Kaleemullah Khan, who made his international debut in 2011, called on Ashfaq to hand control back to the normalisation committee and said the political turmoil could spell the end of many careers.

"This will damage the image of Pakistan football in the world," Kaleemullah told Geo News. "The only losing party is Pakistani footballers.

"There are thousands of players who have their bread and butter attached to this game; a ban would mean that these players will become jobless and their careers destroyed."

Pakistan women's team midfielder Abiha Haider echoed Kaleemullah's comments.

"I am very sad and disappointed," Abiha said. "The football field has been made a political hub, no one actually cares about players and their hard work.

"This is shameful that we are on the verge of getting banned. We have so much uncertainty, I request you all kindly have mercy on us, let us play, please save football."

Hajra Khan, captain of the Pakistan women's team, voiced her concern over the damage caused to the sport in the country.

"We are on the verge of getting banned which means we will not be able to represent Pakistan internationally," she said in a video statement.

"We have worked hard for years, we are disappointed. I want to tell them that please respect the game and the players."

More For You

Why helping ageing parents is precious

As our parents age, we embrace new roles in their lives with compassion and care.

Why helping ageing parents is precious

AS OUR parents’ health begins to deteriorate, one of the hardest things in life is watching them age. Some can no longer walk for more than 10 minutes, and their memory isn’t what it used to be. There are also hidden complications associated with ageing.

I grew up in a working-class family. My dad was named Simba when he lived back in Zanzibar, Africa. He swam in the open ocean and ran for miles. The joinery skills he learned from his father have been passed down to my brother and me. My mum worked long hours sewing and in factories to provide for us, ensuring we had everything we needed. She also taught me never to rely on anyone for anything, which has shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today.

Keep ReadingShow less
Is Gaza left behind in global peace efforts?

Displaced people from Beit Hanun in Gaza City last Tuesday (18)

Is Gaza left behind in global peace efforts?

SIR KEIR STARMER has been talking of deploying British peacekeeping troops between Ukraine and Russia. He has indicated other countries might also join in as part of the “coalition of the willing”.

President Trump has said he wishes to see an end to the killing in Ukraine (but not in Gaza).

Keep ReadingShow less
'Dear England' brings Gareth Southgate’s story to life on stage

Gwilym Lee (as Gareth Southgate) and members of the ensemble cast in Dear England at the National Theatre

'Dear England' brings Gareth Southgate’s story to life on stage

THERE was an element of art imitating life – or, more accurately, life imitating art – in the affairs of Gareth Southgate last week.

While the actor Gwilym Lee was at the National Theatre playing Gareth Southgate in a revival of James Graham’s play Dear England, the former England football manager was on the BBC delivering the Richard Dimbleby lecture.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment
Sikandar

Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

GOOD UK FILM

THE interesting-looking film Last Swim will be released on April 4. The British feature debut from London-born Sasha Nathwani had its world premiere in Berlin last year and was also screened at the London Film Festival. The coming-of-age drama, star ring model-turned-actress Deba Hekmat, explores late-teen angst, friendship, and empathy. Nath wani describes the film as “a love letter to London,” as the story is set entirely in the city.

Keep ReadingShow less