December 15, 2006	Friday	Ziqa'ad 23, 1427

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LAHORE, Dec 14: An Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) delegation inspected the facilities at the Punjab Stadium, venue of the third AFC President Cup from April 5 to 15 next year.

The delegation headed by Hicham El Amrani, visited playing field, dressing rooms, technical officials’ rooms, AFC Secretariat at hotel and stadium and media related facilities at the stadium besides checking the floodlights.

The delegation raised some reservations over facilities for media and players in the ground but the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) officials assured the delegation that best arrangements would be made.

The stadium neither has a proper press gallery, nor any specific area for the VVIPs, which is dangerous from security point of view. Moreover, no stands are available in the ground for the teams and referee, as the organisers have been arranging chairs on temporary basis for the players and officials to sit there during the match.

The PFF was also vying to hold the second edition of the event at the same stadium. But the AFC did not allocate it because of some poor facilities and non-availability of floodlights and awarded it to Cambodia.

National champion clubs of eight countries, including Nepal, Tajikistan, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Cambodia and the host country will feature in the contest.

As per the format of the tournament, a total of 15 matches will be organised in the competition, out of which Punjab Stadium will host 13 while Wapda Sports Complex, Kot Lakhpat two. The training fields will be Model Town C-Block Ground and Railway Stadium.