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The Afghanistan football team is yet to receive their visas to Pakistan for their AFC Asian Cup qualifier game and both teams’ chances have been put in jeopardy. The crucial qualifier, all set for October 9 in Islamabad, has been thrown into uncertainty because of delays in visa processing.
As per sources quoted by Khyber News, only three footballers and 10 officials of the Afghan side have, till now, been issued Pakistan visas through the embassy in Kabul. Several Afghan footballers based overseas are still awaiting their travel documents.
Officials stated that the delay is because of Afghanistan submitting visa applications late on September 27, combined with the selection of incorrect biometric and interview centres. These errors have disrupted the process, casting doubt over the team’s arrival in Islamabad.
The delay breaches AFC regulations as well, which mandate that all participating sides bag host country visas at least 30 days before the scheduled game.
The Pakistan Football Federation has notified the Asian Football Confederation and is now exploring visa-on-arrival options for the remaining Afghan footballers to ensure that the game goes ahead as scheduled.
The Afghanistan Football Federation now wants the Asian Football Confederation to shift the match to a neutral venue, while the Pakistan Football Federation wants the game to be called off and a walkover to be awarded to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Asian Football Confederation officials are exploring the option of rescheduling the game if the visa problems remain unresolved.
After October 9, the two teams are supposed to face off again on October 14. Having lost to Myanmar and Syria already, Pakistan’s campaign solely relies on a win against Afghanistan.
Both football federations have now brought the issue to the Asian Football Confederation, each with contrasting demands. The Afghanistan Football Federation has requested moving the game to a neutral venue, while the Pakistan Football Federation maintains that the visa delays are Afghanistan’s responsibility and has called for a walkover in Pakistan’s favour if the match cannot take place.
