LAHORE,Jan 9: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has included national league in its calendar, but damaged the sport by scratching prestigious events, national championship and PFF Cup.

The decision was taken at general and executive council meetings held here on Thursday.

Provinces and departments used to participate in the national championship, while teamsfrom departments participated in the PFF Cup, the second most coveted title after national championship.

The national league begins in all the districts before the end of January. The second phase will be held on zonal basis and the third on the provincial level.

First three stages conclude before the start of the SAF Games in Islamabad from March 29. The league at national level starts after the SAF Games. The meeting decided to launch the league as Asian Football Confederation and FIFA had been pressing hard for it.

The national Under-19 and U-16 championships will be part of the PFF activities. All the provinces have been asked to form women football bodies till Feb 15.

AFC has awarded AFC Under-14 preliminary round to Pakistan. The event is scheduled to be held this year for which dates and venues will be decided later.

The meeting rejected plea to lift 10-year ban on former PFF secretary Hafiz Salman Butt. The ban imposed on Salman in August 1995, is to be lifted in August this year.

A move was initiated by PFF treasurer Pervez Saeed Mir to lift the ban but it could not materialize due to opposition from former PFF secretary Agha Liaquat Ali and Ronaq Ali Rajput.