by Faizan Lakhani
KARACHI: Pakistan clubs have pulled out from the participation in the inaugural SAFF Club Championship 2024.
As per details, clubs have shown little interest in the proposal put forward by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The PFF had initially shortlisted three clubs—Muslim Club, Afghan Club, and Baloch Nushki—for representation in the SAFF Championship. However, there were no progress.
The PFF had set its sights on organising the tournament in the initial week of December. The plan was to have the victor of a three-team tournament represent Pakistan in the club championship.
Reports suggest that due to a lack of funds and tight timeframes, the clubs did not respond positively to the opportunity.
Regrettably, the PFF failed to confirm the final club’s name to SAF within the stipulated deadline.
Scheduled for June this year, the SAFF Club Championship was intended to feature the participation of 8 clubs from the region.
As a resolution, the PFF opted to send only standalone football clubs instead of departmental teams.
As planned, the SAFF Club Championship would have 8 teams — two from India and one each from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
It must be noted that the top teams of their professional leagues represent their country in the tournament. The tournament will be played on home and away basis over a six-seven month period.