FIFA has invited Pakistan’s national team to play in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a major achievement for Pakistan national team in their football career.
FIFA has officially extended the invitation to Pakistan and, sources said, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed that the national team will be taking part in the tournament.
The development is expected to be a significant milestone in Pakistani football’s journey, which has overcome many hurdles in recent years.
The ASEAN Cup will be held in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6.
Pakistan will go head-to-head with some strong football sides in Division One such as hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and India.
The football fraternity hopes that the tournament will offer Pakistan a chance to play against top teams and get exposure in the global arena.
This is a significant match as Pakistan will be playing in a FIFA match for the first time excluding World Cup qualifiers or Asian qualification events.
The Pakistan Football Federation has increasingly been engaged with international football authorities, which aided Pakistan’s inclusion in the competition, sources revealed.
PFF President Mohsen Gilani is reported to have been instrumental in obtaining the invitation through his efforts and the relationship he had with FIFA officials.
The tournament is not just about matches for Pakistan’s players and coaching staff; it is a chance to compete and excel.
It offers an opportunity to gain experience, get better rankings and demonstrate the country’s footballing capabilities on a global platform.
The ASEAN Cup is regarded by many in the football fraternity as a significant platform and could play a pivotal role in enhancing the growth of football in Pakistan and create more avenues of international opportunities for the future.
Also read: No Pakistan team at FIFA yet Sialkot’s ball is in every match, Ishaq Dar salutes its makers
