18 September 2004	Saturday	02 Shaban 1425

LAHORE, Sept 17: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) secretary general Arshad Lodhi has said that the federation was taking various steps to promote the game in the country and promised jobs for talented footballers in the provincial departments.

He was addressing a press conference at the Punjab Football Stadium on Friday after the launch of FIFA World Fair Play Day. Mr Lodhi said the day was being celebrated with the collaboration of the Asian Football Confederation to promote the sport in Pakistan.

He appreciated the cooperation of the AFC in popularizing the game in Pakistan. He said the AFC provided $700,000 for FIFA Gold Project. Under the project, the Punjab government allocated 11 acres of land opposite football stadium for the construction of players' rooms, training centre and a hall.

He claimed that after the take over of the PFF by the present administration, the standard of sport has improved. "Victory of Pakistan Under-23 team in the SAF Games was a proof of our endeavours to promote the game," he added. About future plans, he said a women's football team would be raised besides under-14, -16 and -19 teams.