Pakistan-Afghanistan Asia Cup Qualifier in jeopardy, PFF seeks walkover [The News]

by Abdul Mohi Shah

ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated Pakistan–Afghanistan Asia Cup football qualifying clash, scheduled for Thursday (tomorrow) at the iconic Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, has plunged into uncertainty after the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) sought a walkover against Afghanistan for failing to comply with key regulatory and procedural requirements.

PFF President Mohsen Gillani confirmed to The News that the matter has been formally referred to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for a final ruling.

According to reliable sources within the PFF, the federation has cited multiple instances of non-compliance by the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF), including missed deadlines for player registration, incomplete biometric data, and late visa submissions.

“We fulfilled every formal request from the Afghan side well within the AFC deadlines,” Gillani said. “Their federation requested us to arrange biometrics for their players in Kabul, which we did. But now, just days before the match, they’ve come up with a new list of additional players based in Europe. That’s simply not possible at this stage. AFC rules are very clear — deadlines must be respected.”

According to sources, ten Afghan officials and three players received their Pakistani visas through the embassy in Kabul, while a few more were cleared later after completing mandatory documentation.

However, Afghan authorities allegedly submitted incorrect interview locations and incomplete biometric details, leading to significant delays. Officials further revealed that the Ministry of Interior and Foreign Office of Pakistan have adopted a stricter security and documentation policy for visa issuance to Afghan nationals, making biometric verification and interview compliance mandatory.

The Afghan side’s late submissions and repeated procedural lapses have therefore become a key factor behind the current stalemate.

In yet another turn, the Afghanistan Football Federation reportedly requested the AFC to shift the qualifier to a neutral venue, claiming “logistical difficulties” in bringing the full squad to Islamabad, a move rejected by the PFF which insists that such last-minute maneuvering undermines the integrity of the competition.

“At this point, the Afghan federation is finding excuses instead of fulfilling commitments. This is against the true spirit of the game,” a senior PFF official told The News.

The PFF has already submitted detailed communication records to the AFC to substantiate its position, including correspondences outlining the Afghan side’s repeated requests and missed deadlines.

While the AFC’s final decision is still pending, sources suggest the continental body is unlikely to approve a venue change, given the short notice and the fact that Pakistan has already made extensive logistical and security arrangements for hosting the qualifier in Islamabad.

If the AFC rules in Pakistan’s favor, the national team could be awarded a walkover victory, automatically getting points, a rare outcome in modern international football.

Published in The News, 8 October 2025