Pakistan's Soccer Struggles: FIFA Suspension Looms Again

Pakistan’s soccer players face another setback as FIFA suspends the country’s federation, affecting Asian Cup qualification. The suspension follows a rejected proposal for constitutional changes and is part of ongoing governance issues. A resolution meeting is set, seeking to lift the ban and resume international activities.

Pakistan's international soccer players encounter a fresh challenge as the nation faces its third FIFA suspension in less than eight years. The ban comes a month ahead of the men's national team's Asian Cup 2027 qualification efforts.

FIFA's decision follows the Pakistan Football Federation's (PFF) refusal to adopt constitutional amendments suggested by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Previous suspensions in 2017 and 2021 lasted five and 14 months. Ninety-eight-ranked Pakistan must have the ban lifted by March 4 to compete.

Amid power struggles within Pakistan football, notable progress was made recently as the team advanced in World Cup qualifiers, sparking hope for future fixtures. An Extraordinary Congress on February 27 aims to resolve constitutional issues to revive the sport in the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)