KARACHI, Oct 6: South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) on Thursday expressed its concern over the Sindh ministry of sports involvement in the forthcoming saff championship, saying only PFF was authorized to host the event.

Sirajul Islam Bachchu, who twice visited Karachi’s People’s Sports Complex along with two other officials earlier this year before giving the venue a green signal, has categorically stated that it was only PFF’s prerogative to organize the championship.

“We had a contact today (Thursday) with the SAFF official. Mr Bachchu was very upset with the statement and claims by Sindh sports minister. He clearly said that SAFF and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recognize PFF which only has the right to host the championship,” director technical PFF Col Mujahid Ullah Khan (retd) quoted Bachchu as saying.

Quoting Bachchu, Mujahid said the SAFF official had made it clear that while PFF had the right to organize the eight-nation competition, it could involve people from outside the federation for local hospitality or other organizational matters.

“Bachchu’s apprehensions are understandable since it was a statement made by the Sindh sports minister which created unnecessary confusion. The SAFF official has said we can involve people from outside if we feel necessary. But there could be no taking over by any ministry or individual without PFF’s consent.”

PFF president Faisal Saleh Hayat had rejected Sindh Sports Minister Qamar Mansoor claims on Wednesday that his ministry would host the event, saying PFF was the only organization which had the right to organize the major regional championship.

Qamar had also claimed that few PFF officials had tried to put hurdles for Karachi to host the championship, adding that he would not take dictation from PFF.

Similar situation was created when the Sindh minister had claimed that Karachi would host the event while SAFF inspectors and PFF were yet to finalize the venue.

PFF chief is scheduled to visit Karachi within a week where he will inspect the facilities and renovation work at People’s Sports Complex besides meeting Sindh Governor to discuss issues related to organization.

Hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan will take part in the championship which runs from Dec 7 to 17.