Pakistan football team to tour Iran next week

FootballPakistan - Pakistan’s SAF Games-select football team will embark upon Iran’s tour next week to play four matches against different teams in its build-up for the mega event.

"With the help of Danishwar, Secretary General, Football Federation of I R Iran (FFI), we have finalized the tour programme, which include four matches," disclosed Major (retd) Mir Farooq Ahmed, Executive Secretary Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) from Lahore on Friday.

He said that Pakistan team would play four matches against Iranian Olympic team, under-23 team and two clubs of ‘A’ division during its stay there.

"Our team was to go there on Saturday (Feb 21) but we couldn’t obtain visas for the players in time, therefore, tour will be held next week," he said and added that Thailand tour could not be materialized.

He said the touring squad would comprise 20 boys and five officials, who include Chaudhry Abdul Rasheed, the camp commandant, who has been appointed manager, three coaches, Chinese Xioa Yang, Tariq Lutfi and Bilal Butt and a doctor or interpreter.

The PFF selection committee and the coaches have already named 26 players after trials for the IX SAF Games to be held in Islamabad between March 29-April 7. However, the names of 20 players going to Iran will be made public after the tour programme is finalized.