Sports

Football: FIFA refuses to move Pakistan game

Expense was an issue. Coach was also reluctant: Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin.

Reuters June 13, 2011

DHAKA:

Fifa has turned down a proposal from Bangladesh to relocate their World Cup 2014 qualifier from violence-hit Pakistan to Dhaka, Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin announced. Bangladesh face Pakistan in the first-leg of their Asian zone first round qualifier on June 29 in Dhaka with the return leg in Lahore on July 3.

Salahuddin revealed that the expense of playing in Pakistan and the reluctance of the national team’s coach were the reasons behind the proposal. “During the Fifa congress we requested them to allow us to play both legs in Dhaka,” he said. “But they didn’t agree. Expense was an issue. Our coach was also reluctant to travel to Pakistan on security grounds.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Hedgefunder | 12 years ago | Reply @Fatah: Sure its safe in Pakistan, when everyday bombs go off up and down the country and kill innocent people too. The example of Sri Lankans has not been forgotton by the rest of the world yet!! Perhaps you have a short memory, however you can kiss goodbye to the Idea of playing cricket at Home for long time to come!!! Let's face it, there has to be an International Team who is actually willing to travel to Pakistan in first place for the game to return!!!!

Fatah | 12 years ago | Reply Now everyone knows that the ICC is maliciously trying to destroy Pakistani cricket by claiming Pakistan is unsafe. If FIFA has declared Pakistan safe for international football matches and Palestine & Malaysia have played football matches in Pakisan; and Afghanistan has played international cricket in Pakistan - how can the ICC justify its stance that Pakistan is unsafe? FIFA is a much more mature and competent international organization with lots of experience regarding security of international competitions than the ICC. The ICC is a corrupt organization run by political agents for political whims - ministers in the Indian government, former Australian PMs, banning Zimbabwe's cricket officials, not playing cricket in Pakistan. Ijaz Butt and the PCB must play all of Pakistan's cricket Home Series in Pakistan. As FIFA as clearly stated - Pakistan is SAFE for international athletic competition. The citizens of Pakistan deserve to see Pakistan play Test Cricket in Pakistan.

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