AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Pakistan and Myanmar to reverse home and away fixtures

Pakistan and Myanmar have reached a mutual understanding to reverse the home and away fixtures of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers following consultations with both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

According to sources, the formal approval of the revised schedule from the AFC is currently awaited.

The new arrangement will mean that Pakistan will now play the first leg of the qualifier away in Myanmar on June 10, instead of hosting the opening fixture. The second leg will then be hosted by Pakistan. The AFC will officially confirm it, the source said.

The decision to reverse the schedule comes in light of the upcoming historic and long-awaited Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) elections slated to be conducted on May 27.

Officials close to the matter emphasized the importance of giving the incoming football administration adequate time and clarity to prepare for an international fixture of such magnitude.

A source within the PFF said: “International matches are not single-day affairs. They require meticulous planning, extensive coordination, and clear timelines, none of which can be managed in an atmosphere of uncertainty. These events are charted months in advance to ensure flawless execution."

The reversal is seen as a strategic move to ensure proper hosting standards and organizational readiness once the new leadership assumes the PFF office.

"It highlights the commitment of both federations to maintain the integrity and quality of the competition," the source added.

The source added that this fixture marks a vital opportunity for Pakistan to advance in the AFC qualification pathway and also to showcase its capability to host international football under a new and democratically-elected football administration.

Meanwhile, Nukta has learnt reliably that PFF Normalization Committee is deliberating on whether the national camp for Myanmar show should be held in Pakistan or abroad.

A source well aware the development said that most probably the camp will begin from June 1.

The source also said that English coach Stephen Constantine is highly likely to train the lot for this important show.