Uncertainty surrounds Pakistan-Afghanistan AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan scheduled for October 9 at the Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium is facing serious uncertainty due to visa issues that have hampered the arrival of the Afghanistan national football team.

According to credible sources as of today only three Afghan players and ten team officials have been issued Pakistani visas. These visas were granted solely to individuals who managed to complete biometric verification at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

The bulk of the squad, particularly players based outside Afghanistan, are still awaiting travel clearance.

The delay, sources say, stems from an administrative oversight by the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF). A well-placed source familiar with the matter told Nukta that the AFF listed Kabul as the biometric and interview location for all players including those living abroad while submitting visa applications.

This development has caused growing concern in Islamabad where Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials have already arrived to supervise the qualifier. Organizers are on standby unable to proceed with essential pre-match formalities including team training sessions, logistical coordination and the pre-match press conference all typically held at least 24 hours prior to kickoff.

Sources told this correspondent that the Afghan side submitted visa applications as late as September 27 and visa reference numbers were shared with PFF only on October 2 just a week before the match. This stands in clear violation of the AFC Competition Regulations, which require participating teams to secure host country visas no less than a month prior to the scheduled match date.

In response the PFF has formally briefed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the situation through a letter and Afghanistan’s failure to meet deadlines.

While the AFF has also written to the AFC to explain its position, the regulatory breach leaves little room for flexibility under AFC statutes. Despite the complications the PFF is actively pursuing contingency plans to ensure the match can go ahead.

A source told Nukta that the PFF is in contact with the Ministry of Interior, seeking approval for visa-on-arrival clearance for the remaining Afghan players. However, the source emphasized that time is running out and unless a swift breakthrough is achieved, the match may be in jeopardy.

“If the Afghan team fails to arrive in time, the PFF will formally request a walkover based on non-compliance by Afghanistan,” the source said.

The AFC is currently reviewing the situation. The stakes are high. The match was expected to be a major event in Islamabad with fans and media gearing up for what was to be an electrifying clash between two neighboring rivals. Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm on Thursday but as the clock ticks uncertainty continues to cloud the fixture.

This latest episode highlights the critical importance of timely coordination, adherence to international regulations and administrative precision especially in high-profile tournaments governed by strict compliance frameworks. Unless swift corrective action is taken what was meant to be a celebration of football in South Asia may end in bureaucratic disappointment.