As the pivotal FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Cambodia looms in October, Pakistani footballers find themselves grappling with significant financial challenges. These financial hurdles have become a growing cause for concern within the sports community.
Despite their recent appearances in prestigious international tournaments, such as the SAFF Championship and AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, players and support staff are still awaiting their due payments. Shockingly, these unpaid dues amount to approximately Rs1 million per individual, as reported.
Initially, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee had assured that payments would be made by mid-July, followed by a subsequent promise of mid-August.
Regrettably, both of these deadlines have come and gone without the promised financial relief. In a show of remarkable solidarity, players even had to cover their fellow teammates’ travel expenses for training camps.
The dire situation took a turn for the worse during the AFC U23 Qualifiers when players found themselves denied meals at the airport, all due to alleged funding issues stemming from a PFF audit.
Adding to the uncertainty, there is a lack of clarity surrounding contracts for the AFC U23 Qualifiers, with players only possessing written agreements for their previous tours. This ambiguity could further complicate potential FIFA complaints regarding the persistently delayed salaries.
Additionally, diaspora players within the team have faced their own set of challenges in receiving their rightful payments.
The ongoing delay in salary disbursements and the prevailing financial instability within the Pakistani football community have cast a dark shadow over their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier.
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