LAHORE: A significant sum of around Rs70 million in match fees for various national football teams, including the senior men’s and women’s squads, U-19, U-17, and U-16 teams, remains unpaid to players and officials who participated in international tournaments.

According to the players, despite repeated requests to the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (NC), no action has been taken to release the pending dues. The players have expressed their frustration, with many visiting the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) offices daily in an attempt to secure their payments.

It is noteworthy that the national U-19 team, which participated in the SAFF Championship, has yet to receive its dues for both the training camp and the tournament. The outstanding amount stands at approximately Rs10 million, which includes payments for the manager, coaches, and players.

Meanwhile, the senior team, which played various friendly matches abroad in addition to competing in the SAFF Championship, is also awaiting its dues, estimated to be between Rs20 and 25 million. The U-17 and U-16 teams, along with the national women’s team, participated in various international events but are also waiting for their payments.

A senior official of the PFF’s NC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the total payable amount is around Rs70 million and that FIFA is responsible for disbursing these funds.

“The NC has made several requests to FIFA to release the payments. Although the amount has been approved by FIFA, they have yet to transfer the funds,” the official explained. “We are following FIFA’s instructions and, while the approval is in place, it is ultimately up to FIFA to release the funds.”

In the meantime, former PFF official Sardar Naveed voiced his concerns over the delay in the payments. He urged the newly-elected members of the PFF Congress to convene an urgent meeting to ensure the timely release of the dues.

“While the elections of the PFF have been delayed, the Congress members are legally empowered to call a meeting and facilitate the release of the dues. They should also initiate an audit of the PFF’s NC accounts,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024