LAHORE, Dec 23: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has retained Tariq Lutfi and Balal Butt as local coaches to help Chinese Wang Xiao He to prepare Pakistan team for the SAF Games to be held at Islamabad from March 29 to April 7 next.

PFF secretary, Arshad Khan Lodhi, told Dawn on Tuesday that the Pakistani coaches would assist the Chinese coach.

Tariq has been facing an inquiry for issuing a statement in favour of former captain Haroon Yousuf, considering him the best choice for captain for the home and away ties against Kyrgyzstan played recently.

Lodhi, said Tariq was retained as coach after his meeting with PFF president Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat at Islamabad.

He said Tariq’s case was discussed and his statement was considered as a suggestion.

He said the visit of Turkish football club Besiktas to Pakistan next month was uncertain. The team which was invited by the Prsident of Pakistan, was scheduled to play a match with Pakistan in Islamabad on Jan 8.

Arshad said the ground breaking ceremony of FIFA Goal Project would be held in January.

“The dates will be decided after confirming the arrival of Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam in Pakistan.”

He said Mr Hammam showed interest in promotion of the game in Pakistan and wished to be here on the occasion of foundation laying ceremony of the project.