Pakistan Withdraws from AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers Due to Financial Constraints

Withdrawal highlights financial woes and administrative challenges in Pakistani futsal

In a disappointing turn of events, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed its withdrawal from the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, citing financial difficulties. Scheduled to begin on January 11, 2025, in Indonesia, the tournament was set to feature Pakistan in Group B alongside hosts Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyz Republic.

(Main picture source: Pakistan FA website)

This would have marked Pakistan’s debut in the prestigious futsal competition, a milestone for the country’s women’s team. The Asian Cup has previously been dominated by powerhouse teams, with Iran winning both the 2015 and 2018 editions. Participation in the tournament was seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to gain invaluable international exposure.

Qualifying Group Breakdown

The qualifiers feature a competitive lineup of teams across four groups:

• Group A: Thailand, Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Iraq
• Group B: Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Kyrgyz Republic (now excluding Pakistan)
• Group C: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Australia, Philippines, and Kuwait
• Group D: Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Macau, and Myanmar

 
The qualifiers not only determine participation in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, scheduled for May 7-18, 2025, in China, but also serve as the pathway to the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines later that year.

Ranking of Third-Placed Teams

The best third-placed teams from the four groups will advance to the final tournament along with the four group winners and runners-up. Due to fewer matches in Groups B and D, results against the fifth-placed teams of Groups A and C will not be counted in determining the ranking of the third-placed teams. This rule ensures a fair comparison among groups with differing numbers of matches.

Funding Shortfalls and Missed Opportunities

According to sources within the PFF, efforts were made to secure financial assistance from FIFA, but no response was received in time to facilitate the team’s participation. The lack of funding has not only resulted in the women’s team missing this opportunity but has also raised concerns about the men’s national football team’s ability to compete in the AFC Men’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. If funding is not secured by January 20, 2025, the men’s team could potentially face challenges in participating in the qualifiers scheduled for March.

The withdrawal highlights persistent financial and administrative hurdles within the PFF, which have previously disrupted futsal development in Pakistan. Earlier this year, the PFF announced the women’s team’s participation in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, generating excitement among fans and players. The withdrawal now leaves many disheartened, as it deprives the team of the chance to compete at an elite level and showcase their skills on an international platform.

Impact on Regional Futsal

Pakistan’s absence from the qualifiers means a reorganization of the Group B matches. Teams like India and Hong Kong, as well as hosts Indonesia, will adjust their preparations accordingly.

Calls for Financial Stability in Futsal

This latest development underscores the urgent need for sustainable financial and administrative structures to support futsal in Pakistan. Participation in international competitions is crucial for the growth of the sport, offering players the opportunity to compete against stronger teams and gain exposure.

The PFF has yet to issue an official statement addressing the withdrawal or outlining measures to overcome the financial crisis. However, stakeholders and fans are calling for immediate attention from both national authorities and FIFA to ensure future participation in key tournaments. Without such support, Pakistan risks falling further behind in the regional and global futsal landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 draws closer, the spotlight will now shift to the remaining teams preparing for the qualifiers. For Pakistan, this setback serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that need to be addressed to elevate the country’s presence in international futsal.

Urgent efforts are needed to ensure that such financial constraints do not continue to hinder the progress of Pakistani teams, both men’s and women’s, in pursuing their goals on the global stage.

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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