New Delhi, Aug 19 (UNI) Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has expressed its support with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following its suspension from International Football Federation (FIFA) over third-party interference.
The FIFA on Tuesday announced the suspension of the AIFF with immediate effect due to "undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes.
Pakistan Football Federation which has been under the radar for similar issues on Wednesday posted a statement on Twitter to show their support to AIFF.
"Commiserations to the Indian football federation and all Indian football fans. It hurts to not be able to watch your team play. Indian football has always been defiant and resilitent. Here's hoping that Indian football comes out of suspension and continues to excite us in the coming years," the statement read.
The statement came with a message for the Indian football community which read: "The Pakistan Football Federation hopes that Indian Football will be back very soon and will continue to electrify us in the coming years! Sharing in your hard moments with love and friendship."
This is the first time the AIFF has been banned by FIFA in its 85-year existence. The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India from October 11-30, cannot currently be held in India as planned.
On Wednesday, the Apex Court asked the Centre to take proactive measures and ensure holding of the under-17 Women’s World Cup in October by getting a FIFA ban imposed on the All India Football Federation lifted.
UNI BAV