Local women footballers unhappy over inclusion of overseas players for SAFF Championship: sources
Overseas footballers, who have roots from Pakistan, have called up to represent the country in SAFF Championship
KARACHI: A number of local female footballers, who are part of the Pakistan team's training camp ahead of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship 2022, have raised concerns over the inclusion of overseas players in the national squad for the South Asian tournament.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has roped in some overseas players, having roots in Pakistan, for representing the country in SAFF Women's Championship. On Thursday, a UK-based Pakistani-origin footballer named Nadia Khan was signed by the PFF for SAFF Cup.
Meanwhile, sources told this correspondent that local players are not happy with this decision. "Players are morally down. Obviously, when a local is told that a foreign player will replace her, how she would feel?" shared the source who is associated with Pakistan football for so many years.
"Our local players have waited for eight years to get this opportunity. They faced a tough time when our football was banned. And when the opportunity came, overseas players are preferred. Tell them if they are not worthy, they will leave or try something else," they added.
Reportedly, PFF shortlisted 25 players for the camp and set PKR100,000 for each player. Another round of shortlisted players will be done soon and players in the final line-up will receive PKR300,000.
"Everyone wants betterment of Pakistan. Nobody has the issue on the selection of overseas players but criteria must be questioned," the source further said.
Upon contacting PPF's NC for their version on this matter, their representative said they will clarify the issue on a Tv show first.
According to FIFA rules, dual nationals can decide between their country of origin and country of residence to represent in international football.
A couple of more overseas players apart from Nadia are expected to represent Pakistan in SAFF Women's Championship.
The multi-nation event is scheduled in Nepal from September 6-19. SAFF divided seven teams into two groups.
Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Maldives are placed in group A whereas hosts Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are in group B.
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