KARACHI: It’s a move that has put the motives of the Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee into question.

The FIFA-appointed PFF NC announced on Tuesday that will hold the National Women’s Football Championship next month which will feature clubs only. With the winners of the women’s championship carrying a vote in the PFF Congress, the move has added fuel to widespread murmurs in the local football fraternity that the Haroon Malik-led NC is trying to influence the elections it will hold.

Pakistan Army, a departmental side, are the current holders of the National Women’s Championship — a title they won when the last completed edition of the event was held in 2020.

“The inclusion of clubs only points to something fishy,” a source close to the matter told Dawn. “There are already question marks over the elections of the Pakistan Football Referees Association.”

The PFRA also carries a vote in the PFF Congress and sources claim that by restricting the women’s championship to clubs only, “the NC is looking to get another vote for its favoured presidential candidate”.

The PFF said that the women’s championship will run from May 5 to May 21 in Karachi.

“The National Women’s Football Championship (NWFC) is set to commence on May 5, 2024 in Karachi,” read a PFF news release “ The clubs that have registered by December 2023 will be eligible to participate in the extravaganza, showcasing the passion for women’s football across Pakistan.

“Being organised by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the championship will see the participating teams divided into four groups. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

“The championship will culminate in a finale scheduled to take place on May 21, 2024, where the top contenders will vie for the coveted title of champions. The PFF has extended invitations to all participating clubs, eagerly awaiting their confirmations to finalize the draw and unveil the match schedule along with the designated venues in the coming days.”

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2024