The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has secured the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, enabling the national football team to travel to India and participate in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship.
The highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is set to kick off the SAFF tournament on June 21, 2023. This intense rivalry is expected to attract significant attention from football enthusiasts in both nations.
Initially, concerns were raised regarding Pakistan’s participation due to a delay in obtaining the NOC. Nevertheless, after persistent efforts and negotiations, the PFF has finally received the clearance required, ensuring their presence in this prestigious football championship.
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Pakistan’s men’s football team has been placed in Group A, alongside their arch-rivals India, as well as Kuwait and Nepal. Group B comprises Lebanon, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
The SAFF Championship is scheduled to take place from June 21, 2023 to July 04, 2023 in Bengaluru, India, with matches likely to be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Under the guidance of the Normalisation Committee, the Pakistan Football Federation has been working tirelessly to overcome challenges and revive football in the country.
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The 2021 FIFA suspension had a detrimental impact on Pakistani football; however, significant efforts have been made to streamline the federation’s operations and ensure compliance with international standards.
With the NOC now obtained, the national football team can focus on their preparations for the SAFF Cup and channel their energy towards showcasing their skills on the field.
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