ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is preparing to mark its return to the international soccer arena just in time for the Asian Cup qualifiers, as FIFA has decided to lift the ban it imposed earlier on February 6.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) faced a third international suspension in under eight years last month. This occurred after the federation initially refused to implement amendments to its constitution as recommended by FIFA.
However, during an extraordinary congress held in Lahore last week, members of the PFF unanimously voted to accept the necessary reforms. This decision has now paved the way for Pakistan to participate in the qualifying rounds for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Pakistan is set to begin its journey in Group E of the qualifiers with a match against Syria, scheduled for March 25. “We are grateful to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation for their ongoing support of Pakistani football. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire Pakistan football community,” said the PFF in a social media post celebrating the reversal of the ban.
The Asian Football Confederation had previously informed Pakistani soccer officials that they needed to have the suspension lifted by March 4. This was a critical deadline for the men’s national team to be eligible to compete in the qualification matches for the 2027 Asian Cup.
