The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has granted permission (NOC) for the national women’s football team to compete in the SAFF Championship, However, the football normalization committee didn’t follow the proper procedure.
The Pakistan women’s football team, which includes 24 players and 8 team officials, will leave Islamabad for Kathmandu today. This decision regarding NOC was made in the national interest, according to DailyPakPress.
The SAFF Championship 2024, for women, will start from October 17 to 30 in Kathmandu, and Pakistan will play its first match against India on October 17.
The PSB stressed that all sports federations must apply for NOCs on time and submit the profiles of all players and officials early. So, every board should follow the rules. PSB also added that a report of event and p[layer performance must be submitted after.
To improve management, and bring awareness to the people, PSB is regularly updating content and news on its official website.
Previously, the PSB had refused to give an NOC to the women’s football team for the SAFF Championship due to missing signatures and delays in the application.
The team was training in Islamabad and set to travel to Nepal, but without the NOC, their participation was unsure. This issue is similar to past problems between Pakistan’s football teams and the PSB over NOC matters, which have caused tension.
Last month, Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF U-17 Championship ended after losing to Bangladesh in the semi-finals. Despite a strong start, Pakistan lost a 2-0 lead when Bangladesh scored two late goals, and Bangladesh eventually won in a penalty shootout, 8-7. They will face India in the final.
