15 October 2004	Friday	29 Shaban 1425

LAHORE, Oct 14: FIFA will enhance its financial aid to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in addition to the ongoing annual grant of $250,000.

This was stated by PFF president, Faisal Saleh Hayat after presiding over the general and executive committee meetings on Thursday.

Both the meetings were scheduled to be held in August but delayed without any major reason. Faisal, explained that FIFA technical delegation had visited Pakistan last month to examine the needs of the PFF and would submit a report to the international body after which the package would be finalised.

He said FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was likely to visit Pakistan to inaugurate the Goal Project early next year, would personally announce the package for the PFF.

He remarked that PFF had made Under-14, 16, 19 and 23 teams and vowed those teams would have a comprehensive programme to keep their activity active throughout the year.

Faisal pointed out that he had completed a year as PFF president during which he organized national football league, started the Goal Project and established a complete football office at Lahore.

Asked despite all these steps, why the world ranking of Pakistan was still low, Faisal claimed that the activities at the domestic level had been increased and it would help improve the ranking.

Queried about the future of the Allied Bank football team after the bank's management had decided to disband the team next year, Faisal said the bank was not the only team as there were other teams, including PIA, and the PFF would try to convince their management to continue their affiliation with the federation.

He said the Indian team was touring Pakistan in February to play a three-match series while negotiations were under way to invite Thailand. PFF secretary Arshad Lodhi said the general council meeting had decided to rename the current national football league as Super League from next year. A separate national "A" league would start from next year and continue throughout the year, he said.

Asked why the merit was not upheld when the PFF appointed FIFA referees last month and then cancelled after hue and cry was raised by certain quarters, he admitted some appointments were not made on merit. A meeting has been formed to finalise a new list of referees.

The general council approved the activity programme of the federation for 2004-05 in which a home series against India, participation of Pakistan in first Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia in April and SAF Games to be held in Sri Lanka are important.