SAFF Championship 2023: Pakistan yet to receive NOC from govt

Pakistan are now in a tough situation off the pitch due to this delay.

In a major setback for the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the NOC (No-Objection Certificate) clearance required for the participation of the Pakistan national football team in the SAFF Championship 2023 has been denied. Furthermore, the team is also in need of a NOC for their upcoming participation in a four-nation tournament in Mauritius, scheduled from June 11 to June 17.

The denial of NOC clearance has raised uncertainties regarding the team's ability to compete in both tournaments, significantly impacting their preparations and plans. The denial has prevented the PFF from applying for Indian visas as Indian visas are only granted in-person, making it impossible without the necessary NOC.

Mohammad Tariq Khokhar, a representative of the Pakistan Football Federation, stated that the team is scheduled to depart on Thursday and emphasized the urgency of obtaining the NOC before their departure. He expressed the team's original plan to travel to India for the SAFF Championship, which is set to commence on June 21. However, without the NOC, the team is now facing obstacles in the visa application process. (Source: Sportstar - The Hindu)

In the event that the NOC for India is received later, Khokhar mentioned the possibility of returning to Pakistan to apply for the Indian visas. However, he acknowledged the significant difficulties this would entail. The team is hopeful that the NOC will be granted before they leave for Mauritius, as all the players are eagerly looking forward to participating in the tournaments.

The delay in the issuance of the NOC has prompted members of the Pakistan national football team to voice their concerns on social media. Defender Mamoon Moosa, in a video posted by the Twitter handle of the Pakistan Football Federation, appealed to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry and Pakistan Sports Board to provide the team with the necessary NOC. Moosa stressed on the importance of obtaining the NOC to allow the players to focus on training rather than worrying about administrative issues.

The denial of the NOC clearance not only affects the participation of the Pakistan national football team but also casts doubt on the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the SAFF Championship. The rivalry between the two nations on the football pitch is well-known, and their last encounter took place in September 2018 during the semi-final of the 12th edition of the SAFF Championship, in Dhaka.

The Pakistan Football Federation, tournament organizers, and fans alike are eagerly awaiting a positive resolution, hoping that the necessary NOC clearance will be granted promptly.