Pakistan’s March World Cup Qualifying group game against Jordan is to be played on a neutral venue after the Pakistan Football Federation announced it on Monday 22. January on their social media handles about the unavailability of Jinnah Stadium according to FIFA standards.
PFF requested the Pakistan Sports Board for the installation of lights and seats as per FIFA standards to host Pakistan’s qualifier against Jordan in March as the match can’t be played during the daytime owing to Ramadan.
PFF STATEMENT
In a statement on various social media handles, PFF said
“Dear Football Community of Pakistan,
We would like to provide an important update regarding our upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2In a statement, PFF said match against Jordan.
Since our last home game against Tajikistan in November, the Pakistan Football Federation, in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board, has been diligently working on preparing the Jinnah Stadium for the upcoming match against Jordan scheduled for March.
However, we regret to inform you that, despite our best efforts, the current standard of the Jinnah Stadium does not meet FIFA standards.
One significant challenge we are facing is related to the lighting conditions at the stadium. As the March game is scheduled to be held under lights, and considering it falls during Ramazan, we have encountered difficulties in meeting FIFA’s lighting standards with the current setup.
The deadline for venue submission was January 21, 2024, and as we are committed to upholding the integrity of the game, we have decided to explore alternative options. We will be in contact with the Jordan Football Association to discuss the arrangement of a neutral venue for the home leg of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2.
While we understand the disappointment this may bring to our passionate football community, we believe that this decision is necessary to ensure fair play and adherence to FIFA regulations. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate through these challenges.
We will keep you updated on further developments and sincerely hope for your unwavering support as we strive to represent Pakistan with pride on the international stage.”
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule, Groups, Scenario
Fans Reaction
Earlier it was reported that the lights would be installed by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) by the end of February and 4,000 seats would be installed before the game against Jordan on 21st March. This news was welcomed by the football fraternity but Monday’s latest development has dampened the spirits of the fans who were eyeing to fill the stands yet again after 21000 fans came last time against Tajikistan.
Football fans were dismayed at the constant hurdles in the way of the development of Pakistan Football. This could have been Pakistan’s third game on home soil after Pakistan won 1-0 against Cambodia in a maiden victory in a World Cup Qualifier.
The Other Side of the Picture?
Notable football journalist Zeeshan Shafi has pinned this failure on PFF NC Chairman Haroon Malik for the delay and subsequent maligning of governmental institutions. In a tweet, Zeeshan Shafi argued why the letter was sent as late as 15th January to the Pakistan Sports Board for the upgrade of the stadium.
However, sources close to The Sports Side have revealed that the issue is expected to be resolved depending on PSB’s holding its end of the deal. If lights are installed in time, Pakistan fans may well see the Shaheens playing at Jinnah Stadium.
Pakistan Sports Board Reaction
In a widely shared letter on social media addressed to PFF NC Head of Legal, the Pakistan Sports Board has assured the installation of lights and extra seats as per FIFA regulations. However PFF NC Head of Legal, Mr Ali Akram has denied receiving this letter. The situation is still developing and is expected to be clear in a while.
Conclusion
While the Pakistan Football team has recently progressed to draw some attention, the news of shifting Pakistan’s home match to a neutral venue is a tough one for Pakistan football fans. It is yet to be seen how the story develops further after PSB’s assurance of installing the lights but a home game shifted to a neutral venue will be a blow to Pakistan football fans.
Also Read:
