ISLAMABAD, Sept 21: Pakistan must develop women's football if it is to keep the inflow of annual grant of US$250,000 from the world governing body of this sport. Still, the nations like Pakistan are free to promote women's football within the bounds of their culture and religion.

This was the gist of a press talk conducted on Tuesday by representatives of International Football Federation (FIFA). Mohsin Gilani, the FIFA Development Officer in Pakistan, and another FIFA nominee, Dr Taha Ismael of Egypt, were holding the talk during the course of Sept 13-25 first-ever Women Football Coaching and Refereeing Course arranged at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.

Also present on the occasion was the representative of Pakistan Football Federation, Col. (r) Mujahid, who revealed that maiden National Women's Football Championship would be organised here in Islamabad in August next year - to be participated by 7-8 teams.

Mohsin Gilani said FIFA stipulates that four percent of its annual grant to a member country be spent on development of women's football. "From next year this percentage will be increased to 10 percent" which calculates to US $ 25,000 out of US $ 250,000 while four percent is equal to US $ 10,000.

To a question, he said FIFA gave liberty to the individual countries to develop this sport among their womenfolk within the prescribed parametres of their culture and religion.

"With the passage of time, we may see more flexibility in attitudes," Gilani said, adding that FIFA also had plans to assist member countries in other fields of women's football such as coaching, refereeing etc.

Dr Taha Ismael said FIFA was keen to develop women's football in all countries but nations like Pakistan could retain their traditions like women-only spectators, players wearing full trousers instead of shorts, etc.

"In Iran, women play and enjoy football while wearing full Hijab," said Dr Taha Ismael, adding that grant could be slashed and even withheld should a country not develop women's football.

Higher Education Commission arranged the twin coaching course being attended by 46 budding women footballers from around the country." We had been approached by PFF to arrange this course," HEC sports official, Mrs Shaheen Zafar, told APP.

PFF official Col. Mujahid said these budding footballers would spread around the country to establish football clubs and eventually set up regional football associations to develop the women's game. -APP