KARACHI, Dec 15: After being involved in a controversy barely a month ago, Pakistan football coach Tariq Lutfi once again came into spotlight for all the wrong reasons as Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) would be seeking an explanation from him for challenging chief selector’s authority.

“We will be asking a report from team manager Khalid Lateef about the statement given by Tariq after Pakistan’s 2-0 loss against Kyrgyzstan in World Cup pre-qualifying game,” PFF secretary Arshad Lodhi, said on Monday.

Tariq, during the post-match comments had said, it was because of exclusion of former skipper Haroon Yousuf that his side gave a dismal performance against Kyrgyzstan on Nov 29 in Karachi.

The coach had triggered a controversy days before the encounter by naming Haroon as the captain while the squad was even not announced. He later retracted his statement when PFF sought explanation, denying he ever made such statement.

Tariq was in favour of retaining veteran Haroon as the skipper despite his declining form, while chief selector Col Yunus Changezi had recommended to have a young captain instead of an over-the-hill player.

An unnecessary controversy created by Tariq ended on embarrassment for Haroon who was omitted from the squad that played home and away against Kyrgyzstan, while goalkeeper Jaffar Khan was appointed a new captain.

Arshad said the manager would soon be submitting his report following which Tariq would be asked to explain as to why he challenged the authority of the chief selector.

“Such a statement from the coach is a clear act of indiscipline. Since I am the competent authority, I will be asking him to explain why he gave such a statement. But at the moment we have to wait for manager’s report which is expected soon,” he added.

Arshad, however, parried the question what disciplinary action could be taken against the coach. “There are many things we can do. But we have to wait for the report first.”

The PFF official said the federation was trying to abide by the rules made by sport’s world governing body FIFA, and Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

“I had said earlier we will punish those who try to involve in indiscipline and I repeat there will be no compromise on discipline in future. Nobody will be allowed to challenge the officials or break the rules,” he warned.

The secretary did not disclose who would be supervising the national training camp for next year’s SAF Games in Islamabad, but made it clear the decision on appointment of coach was yet to be taken.

“The camp will start in Lahore. We have a list of coaches and the decision to appoint the coach is expected within four or five days.

In the meanwhile, any coach or coaches available could be asked to run the camp which probably starts from tomorrow (Tuesday),” official said.