Entire football ecosystem suffering due to actions of few: NC on Pakistan's FIFA ban

The Normalization Committee of the Pakistan Football Federation has deemed the suffering and suspension of Pakistan due to "the actions of a few" as "highly unfortunate", and warned that FIFA will take more action against those behind the takeover of the Federation.

The FIFA, on Wednesday, had suspended Pakistan after a group led by Syed Ashfaq Shah stormed into PFF offices and forcibly took the charge of Pakistan Football Federation from FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee.

Before Pakistan’s suspension, the FIFA had termed the occupation “illegal” had had given an ultimatum for handing over the affairs back to the Normalization Committee. The group, however, had ignored the deadline which promoted FIFA to suspended PFF for an indefinite period.

“The FIFA appointed Normalization Committee stands with the football community of Pakistan in this unfortunate moment when the country has been suspended by the world football governing body,” said a statement by the Haroon Malik-led NC .

“It is highly unfortunate that due to the actions of few, the whole football ecosystem of Pakistan — which includes players, officials and coaches — has to suffer and precious time and resources, which could have been spent towards the development of the sport in Pakistan, has to be wasted,” it added.

The NC statement also indicated that FIFA will also take action against individuals who were involved in illegal action at PFF headquarters, which is also known as FIFA house Lahore.

“Following up on the suspension, the Normalization Committee can confirm, that FIFA will take further action against the individuals involved in the hostile takeover of the FIFA House on March 27, 2021,” it said.

The NC reiterated that as soon as it regains access to the PFF headquarters and other control, full-fledge football activity will resume.

The Malik-led Committee also reminded that the only way to get the ban lifted is by handing back the control to the Normalization Committee and let it carry out the operations of the Federation without any hinderance.

“As FIFA has clearly mentioned in its letter addressed to the Pakistan Football Federation Normalization Committee Chairman Haroon Malik, the suspension will only be lifted when a confirmation is received by FIFA from the PFF Normalization Committee led by Mr. Malik that the PFF’s premises, accounts, administration and communication channels are again under its full control,” the statement said.

“The suspension being lifted also depends on another confirmation by the PFF Normalization Committee that it can continue to carry out its mandate without further hindrance,” it added.

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