Islamabad, Feb 10: Pakistan’s participation in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers is at serious risk due to a suspension imposed on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) by FIFA. The suspension, which came into effect on February 6, 2025, means that the PFF has lost its membership rights, preventing the Pakistan men’s national team from competing in international events, including the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The deadline set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the suspension to be lifted is Tuesday, March 4, 2025 just a few weeks away.
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The timing is critical, as the qualifiers are set to begin on March 25, 2025, and without the suspension being lifted by the AFC’s deadline, Pakistan would be forced to withdraw from the tournament. This situation is further complicated by the need for the PFF to meet other requirements for the competition, such as team registration and match confirmations, all of which are contingent upon the resolution of the suspension.
The FIFA suspension is a significant setback for Pakistan’s football prospects. Missing out on the qualifiers would not only hurt the national team’s competitive future but would also stunt the growth and development of the sport in the country. With only three weeks remaining until the AFC deadline, the PFF faces an urgent challenge to resolve the issues surrounding the suspension and secure Pakistan’s place in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. The football community is now closely watching the PFF and FIFA for updates on whether the suspension can be lifted in time.
