Local teams welcome upcoming PFF Cup 2016 [Express Tribune]

Local teams welcome upcoming PFF Cup 2016 [Express Tribune]

KARACHI: Domestic departments and clubs welcomed Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Administrator Asad Munir’s decision to hold the PFF Cup 2016 next month.

The tournament’s invitation letter was sent to 30 teams on December 9, with major departments including PAF and Army and clubs like Karachi United Football Club (KUFC) keen to compete in the 22-day event, which will begin on January 15 in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

“It’s a good development,” KUFC official Taha Alizai told The Express Tribune. “We will definitely take part in it.”

Leading events such as Pakistan Premier Football League and Division B League did not take place this year due to the ongoing power struggle within the PFF, which is currently embroiled in a tussle between two rival factions — one backed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation and the other by the government.

Meanwhile, PAF coach Arshad Khan said a huge chunk of precious playing season has already been wasted, so there was no question of not participating in the cup.

“With a tournament organised by the administrator, we can hope for a good level of competition,” said Arshad.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2015.