LAHORE, June 30: The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) delegation has ruled out the possibility of holding the SAFF championship under temporary lights at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium.

“High grade lighting system is required for the elite event and it is not possible to hold it under temporary lights the way it was done in a match between Pakistan and India recently,” said Bangladesh’s Siraj ul Islam Bachchu, secretary of Dhaka-based SAFF on Thursday.

A three-member SAFF delegation headed by Bachchu which is here to inspect facilities completed its four-day visit for the Dec 8-18 eight-nation event.

Bachchu said Karachi’s People’s Sports Complex stadium had the advantage of floodlights.

“We have no objection on the two stadiums we visited but we want that Pakistan Football Federation should organise the tournament at a suitable centre equipped with latest and necessary facilities,” he asserted.

“The choice of selection is now PFF’s task and we hope our recommendations and suggestions will be considered duly by the host federation,” said the delegation head.

The championship will be participated by India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and hosts Pakistan.—APP