KARACHI, July 29: Pakistan soccer got yet another shot in the arm Monday when FIFA announced it would continue giving $250,000 annual grants at least until year 2006.

The package will be delivered by the game’s governing body under its $ one million Financial Assistance Programme (FAP). Pakistan has already been on the FAP list and has received $750,000 of the one million dollars.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), chosen by FIFA for FAP in 1999 and the last $250,000 tranche is expected later this year after the PFF annual audit by FIFA.

“FIFA has decided to continue its development plan in Pakistan. Therefore, the PFF will be getting at least one million dollars more for the development.

“Since FIFA feels the four years are not sufficient to raise the adequate structure, the grant will continue, hopefully until 2006, but with a more proper check on the PFF accounts,” FIFA’s development officer, Manilal Fernando said.

Fernando, also a chairman of the management committee of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), said the senior Sri Lanka side would tour Pakistan next year to play five matches in separate cities.

“I had invited Pakistan team April this year. Now its Sri Lanka’s turn to visit Pakistan,” he said.