Pakistan football faces financial issues ahead of AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

The newly-elected Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is grappling with financial challenges that have delayed plans to launch the national Under-23 training camp ahead of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Cambodia scheduled from September 3 to 9.

Despite the urgency the national camp has yet to commence, a growing concern as the clock ticks down to the international assignment.

The primary hurdle is financial. The operational status of the PFF's bank accounts remains uncertain with the matter pending before a sessions court in Lahore which is likely to be resolved in September. The accounts had earlier been frozen during the tenure of Syed Ashfaq Hussain who led a federation formed on Supreme Court orders.

According to sources the PFF is actively negotiating with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to explore alternative financial arrangements to manage pressing responsibilities including the camp.

Nukta has learned that newly-appointed head coach Nolberto Solano is expected to arrive in Pakistan on August 16 while the training camp is now tentatively scheduled to begin on August 15. Initially the camp was planned to start by August 10 but necessary arrangements have not yet been finalized.

The PFF is also yet to confirm the training venue. Sources indicate that Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad is unavailable due to military parades in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. Alternate venues under consideration include Lahore, Muridke and Abbottabad. Muridke appears to be the most suitable option with excellent training facilities and field conditions provided the PFF explores a good choice for accommodation.

Weather conditions in Cambodia during September average around 26–27°C but humidity remains high despite the rainy season a factor the PFF must consider while selecting the camp location.

Following Solano's instructions assistant coaches Jaffar Khan, Mohammad Habib, Mehmood Khan and Gohar Zaman recently conducted trials in Multan. The shortlisted players’ names were submitted to the AFC before the August 4 deadline.

The good news is that Solano, a former Peru international and ex-Newcastle United player, has received his Pakistani visa and is set to arrive in Lahore by the end of next week to officially begin his role.

Solano’s appointment marks a significant development for Pakistan football. His extensive international experience and insights into football structure and development are expected to provide valuable direction to the PFF.

A total of 50 players have been shortlisted for the camp including 15 who are also part of the senior national squad.

Pakistan’s campaign in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers will kick off against Iraq on September 3, followed by a clash with hosts Cambodia on September 6 and their final group match against Oman on September 9.

The qualifiers feature 44 teams drawn into 11 groups. The group winners and the four best second-placed teams will qualify for the final tournament in January 2026 which will be hosted for the first time by Saudi Arabia.