Saadullah calls for urgency in PFF's court battle

Lack of progress in recent hearing disappoints 23-year-old midfielder

KARACHI: Pakistan midfielder Saadullah fears that the ongoing legal battle between quarreling factions of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) could linger on for years after the October 17 hearing in the Lahore High Court did little to resolve the issue.

The PFF was recently suspended by FIFA, who cited third party interference in its management, adding to the plight of a country that has seen its football come to a grinding halt in the past two years.

It was hoped that that blow and the negative press that followed would force the parties involved to find an amicable solution sooner rather than later, but no progress was made in their latest hearing in the Lahore High Court apart from the issuance of a future court date (October 23).

Their lack of urgency disappoints Saadullah no end as he told The Express Tribune. "They have dragged the matter for more than two years and this can go on further. The thing is that all these parties need to sit together and resolve the issue... that is the key because at current pace this can go on for years."

The 23-year-old feels local tournaments are not the answer to the problem as such events do little for the growth of young talent.

"Local tournaments have been happening and they will continue to but they are of limited scope and do little for the growth of the players," said Saadullah. "Without any international football we are all suffering. Neither does it affect FIFA nor do our officials seem bothered, but the fact of the matter is that Pakistani football can't go on like this."

He also refuted claims by Faisal Saleh Hayat's secretary Ahmed Yar Lodhi that Pakistani players can no longer go abroad to play in international leagues.

In fact, Saadullah himself plans to try his luck abroad soon and has advised others to not lose hope either.

"I'll probably be going to a foreign league too by December," he said. "The players shouldn't worry. It's not a problem for us. We just need to keep trying, keep looking for opportunities abroad."