Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-FIFA-nominated PFF Normalization Committee (NC) Chairman Haroon Malik has said that the ‘FIFA Connect Programme’ would not only revolutionize Pakistan football, however, it would also help in holding the elections in a free and fair manner.
While addressing a press conference at the FIFA Headquarters Lahore on Saturday, flanked with NC members Saud Hashmi, Barrister Haris Azmat and Shahid Niaz Khokhar, he added: “First of all, we want to conduct the federation’s elections in a transparent manner, so that the powers can be handed over to the elected body as soon as possible”.
“The first step regarding holding the elections in a fair and free manner is the registration of the clubs. FIFA's ‘Connect ID’ will ensure transparency in the process and help eliminate fake clubs. We are going to start the clubs’ registration next month,” he maintained.
It is worth mentioning here that the Connect Programme provides a unique FIFA ID code for every individual (football club) that has a role in the football organisation. This code is like a digital football passport number and has the information of the history of each stakeholder. Most of the FIFA members’ system is linked up with the ‘FIFA Connect Programme’.
While answering a question Haroon Malik said, “A dark era has finally ended with the continuous struggle and support of the football community, and the media also supported them in this difficult journey. Keeping in view the FIFA Charter, the Normalization Committee remained on its principal stance, while fighting a legal battle on the internal front, it also conveyed this to the government houses that in case of continuing to deviate from the rules and regulations of the international body, Pakistan's suspension might turn into a long-term ban, “he further said.
“On the other hand, the NC convinced FIFA that taking any extreme step could be harmful for Pakistani footballers. However, thanks to the support of FIFA and AFC, the difficult journey is over, and now many goals are in front of the Normalization Committee,” he added.
The NC Chairman revealed that not only football activities would be restored at the local level, but pragmatic steps would be initiated to ensure the participation of national teams in international events too. “This year, Pakistan will participate in the SAFF Women's Championship that will take place in Nepal while we can also host two AFC youth events.
“A Disciplinary Committee will be formed to keep a close watch on irregularities in various cases so as to protect the assets of Pakistan Football Federation and the interests of the football community. The national men and women players will be provided maximum opportunities at national and international level so that they may improve their games and skills and also earn a better livelihood for their families,” Haroon Malik concluded.
