Daily Times

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday took the onus on himself to solve the problems being faced by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). Nisar, in his remarks, said that the formation of factions in the national federation is because of the money involved.

“The judiciary will intervene in the case,” said Nisar. “We want to arrive at a solution; hence, we will not procrastinate by giving dates. The national federation receives billions of rupees. The entire issue seems to be revolving around people wanting that money.” The CJP also hinted that Makhdoom Faisal Hayat might be removed from holding the office of the PFF President. “The internal battles have almost deprived Pakistan from representing itself in International Football Federation,” he further commented. Justice Azmat echoed CJP’s remarks by saying: “We need to take care of the dignity of the country.”

Earlier, FIFA suspended the PFF in October last year, following the appointment of Asad Munir to run the national federation after the court annulled PFF President Faisal Hayat’s election for a fourth term. FIFA then lifted the ban on March 13, after they were assured of zero political interference in the federation, stating that they are closely following the situation with the PFF.

A FIFA spokesperson had said that they would be sending a mission to the country to closely assess the situation. “We can confirm that a FIFA mission will visit Pakistan in the near future to assess the situation and decide on next steps.”

Published in Daily Times, April 17^th 2018.