The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has recently made the decision to decline issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the national women’s football team of Pakistan. This unfortunate development comes as a result of the team’s request to participate in two friendly matches scheduled to take place in Singapore on July 15 and 18.
In an official letter, the PSB stated that National Sports Federations are required to submit a complete proposal a minimum of six weeks prior to the departure of the Pakistani team. Regrettably, due to the timing of the request, the PSB finds itself unable to process the case at this stage.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) National Center (NC) swiftly submitted the NOC application immediately after receiving the invitation letter from the Football Association of Singapore on June 26. However, due to the Eid al-Adha holidays, the PSB received the letter on the first working day following the holiday. Consequently, they denied the PFF NC the issuance of the NOC.
This disappointing news of the NOC refusal has deeply affected the players of the national women’s football team. These dedicated athletes have been training diligently in Karachi since June 19 and were eagerly looking forward to participating in the international event in Singapore. It was an opportunity for them to gain valuable experience and enhance their skills. Furthermore, their inability to take part in this tournament may also negatively impact their international rankings.
The team’s scheduled departure to Singapore is set for July 13. Sources close to the PFF express hope that one of their representatives will have the chance to meet with the relevant authorities to address this pressing issue.
Considering the limited opportunities already available to Pakistani women footballers, the upcoming departure on July 13 represents a significant setback. It is crucial that the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) prioritizes the well-being of these talented athletes and grants them the necessary NOC before their departure. By doing so, they can demonstrate their commitment to supporting Pakistani women players and ensuring they have the chance to shine on the international stage.