ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Thursday expressed solidarity with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after FIFA suspended it with immediate effect due to “undue influence from third parties” earlier this week.
The suspension means that the Under-17 women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 11-30, cannot be held in the country as planned.
FIFA had also suspended PFF due to third-party interference last year but lifted the ban this June.
“Commiseration to the Indian Football Federation and all Indian fans, it hurts to not be able to watch your team play,” the PFF said in a statement quoted widely by Pakistani media. “Indian Football has always been defiant and resilient. Here’s hoping that Indian football comes out of suspension and continues to excite us in the coming years.”
“Sharing in your hard moments with love and friendship,” the PFF statement added.
On Wednesday, India's Supreme Court asked the federal government to take "proactive steps" to ensure that the suspension was lifted and the women’s World Cup went ahead according to plan.
The FIFA suspension occurred after India's Supreme Court disbanded the AIFF in May and appointed a three-member committee to govern the sport. But FIFA rules say its member federations must be free from legal and political interference.
While the suspension doesn't apply to domestic tournaments, it will affect India's participation in international matches and tournaments.
