LAHORE – Two foreign football teams will tour Pakistan in March, finally ending the drought of international sporting activities in Pakistan. The Palestine national team will face Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, followed by an encounter at Karachi on March 4.
Later on, the Pakistan Olympics team will collide with Malaysia Olympics team in the second leg of London Olympics Qualifiers on March 9. Pakistan, after two internationals at Lahore and Karachi, will reciprocate by visiting Palestine during April-May.
“It was my wish to organize three international friendlies in each country, but time and financial constraints are hampering not only the series but several other events and courses in 2011,” said Faisal. “It is really unfortunate for Pakistan sports that it is currently isolated. It is a big drawback for our players and organizers, which is discouraging,” said Faisal.
Faisal said that FIFA releases $250,000 annually to PFF under Financial Assistance Program in various categories. He said that the PSB annual grant of Rs 1.5 million was not sufficient even for a single event. Rs 3 million alone were spent on Pakistan U23 team’s 16th Asian Games participation last November. PFF had to generate the money through other means. PFF has planned around 40 events during the year 2011, and the estimated required funds will be Rs 55 million.
