FIFA lifts ban on 1 country already eliminated from 2026 World Cup

FIFA lifts ban on 1 country already eliminated from 2026 World Cup

Hassan Abdulsalam 12:57 - 03.03.2025

FIFA has lifted suspension on one of the countries that has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the PFF Congress approved constitutional amendments mandated by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

"The Bureau of the Fifa Council decided on March 2, 2025, to lift the suspension that was imposed on the PFF on February 6, 2025," FIFA stated.

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Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalisation Committee, confirmed the lifting of the suspension.

He said, "The suspension has been lifted following the successful outcome of the PFF Extraordinary Congress on February 27.

"We thank Fifa and AFC for their continued support of Pakistan football and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan football community."

The lifting of the suspension allows Pakistan to resume international football activities, including participating in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Pakistan's national team will face Syria, which is scheduled for later this month.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's national team lost all six of its matches against formidable Asian opponents, including Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Jordan, in the first round of the qualifying round.

These teams were unfamiliar foes for Pakistan, who had historically struggled to advance beyond the first round of qualifying.

Ex-coach of Pakistan applauds FIFA

Former Pakistan national team coach Stephen Constantine, who led the team to historic victories during his tenure, also expressed his gratitude to the PFF Normalisation Committee.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF NC for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan national team through some of its most historic achievements," Constantine said.

Constantine, who had set a target of steering Pakistan to its maiden appearance at the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2027, praised his staff and players.

He added, "To my staff, every individual on and off the pitch, you were phenomenal. To the players, you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan football, and you did it with heart and style."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see the participation of 48 teams, 16 more than the last seven editions of the tournament since 1998.

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