“POA has not only hurt the football-loving youth of Pakistan but has also deprived the PFF from a talent-hunt opportunity.” —Photo by Stephan Andrew/White Star

Lodhi said that the POA’s reason for snubbing football was based on security fears, since it is an outdoor sport but insisted hockey should have been given the same treatment on these grounds.

“If hockey could be included and assured security, then certainly other sports also have the right to be included in the Games.”

“We believe the decision will have a detrimental effect on the game and will send a ‘negative’ message to those associated with the game or seek a future in it,” the PFF official asserted.

Making a case for the inclusion of the game, Lodhi said football is one of the most popular sports in the country.

“POA has not only hurt the football-loving youth of Pakistan but has also deprived the PFF from a talent-hunt opportunity.”

Lodhi urged the authorities to review the POA’s decision.