Author: SPORTSNAAMA

KHURRAM NAWAZ KHAN:

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced a brief postponement of the District Football Association (DFA) elections. This decision comes shortly after the publication of the list of clubs eligible to cast votes, with the final roster of voters initially slated for release by March 3.

The PFF has received appeals from approximately 900 clubs, addressing which has necessitated this delay. To date, 397 of these appeals have been resolved, with the involved clubs being duly informed. The Electoral Appeals Committee, supported by the PFF’s Legal Department, is diligently working through the remaining appeals.

The elections have also seen an overwhelming submission of over 1,000 nominations for various district positions. This surge in participation has contributed to the postponement. Any further updates on the schedule and proceedings will be communicated in due time.

-ENDS-

Khurram Shehzad Awan :

The latest chapter in Saudi Arabia’s football evolution came to a close this past weekend as the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship reached its conclusion – the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament ever held in the Kingdom.  

A milestone occasion that attracted nationwide interest and engagement, this 8^th edition of the Championship was staged in Jeddah throughout its 11-day duration from 19-29 February as seven countries competed alongside the host nation.

Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Nepal, Palestine, Syria, and Guam joined Saudi Arabia with fixtures played at the King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sport City stadiums. 15 matches were played in total across the group and knock-out stages. The final was played in front of over 4,000 fans at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sport City Stadium and ended 2-2 after full time, with Jordan winning the tournament via a penalty shoot-out against Nepal in Thursday’s final.

The final was attended by Adwa AlArifi Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs at the Ministry of Sport, Lamia Bahian Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), Khalil Al Salem WAFF General Secretary, and Aalia AlRasheed, Head of the Women’s Football Department at SAFF.

Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said: “This incredible milestone will be forever etched in Saudi football history as the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament hosted in the Kingdom – and it is one we will build from moving forward. We promise that the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is the start of an exciting new era for professional women’s football in Saudi Arabia. Besides showcasing our hosting credentials to the region and wider world, it has paved the way for more competitions to make their way to our shores in the years ahead. For sure, this will be the first of many.”

Women’s football in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation and the 2024 WAFF’s Women’s Championship was the latest illustration of nationwide growth and development. With thousands of fans in attendance throughout the competition, Bahaian insists the women’s game is inspiring audiences as a driving force for positive change – with the Saudi Arabia women’s national team “instrumental” to the direction of travel.

Aalia Al Rasheed, Head of Women’s Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, added: “Women’s football in Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting stories in world football today – and the future is bright. We have a unique opportunity to be one of the catalysts for positive change in the global women’s game, and international tournaments are one of the many ways we can harness the full potential of this opportunity. Looking ahead, we can promise that the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is just the start of our hosting story.”

Khurram Nawaz Khan:

The Saudi Arabia women’s national team ended its 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Guam on Friday night.

With qualification out of reach for both teams following previous results against Jordan and Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Guam went head-to-head with a third-place finish in Group A up for grabs.

While Saudi Arabia played well and went close on numerous occasions, Guam took all three points.

Despite being unable to register a victory in its first-ever appearance in the competition, progression has been clear for all to see under new head coach Lluís Cortés as the team gave a solid account of themselves against strong opposition.

For the women’s national team, attentions now turn to the future. The players will return to their club teams where they will resume playing in the second season of the Women’s Premier League until April.

Taking place in Jeddah until February 29, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament ever held in Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has finalized the venue for FIFA world cup qualifier round 2 match with schedule to be played on 21 March. According to the PFF ” Pakistan team will play the important match of FIFA world cup qualifier round 2 against Jordon on 21 March at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad which is located in Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad”

The match will be played in day time without the flood lights as after the consistent negotiations with the management of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) it is finalized”.

According to the PFF ” The floodlights at the Jinnah stadium is not according to the FIFA standards so match against Jordon will be played in day light”

The home leg will be scheduled at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad on 21 March whereas The away leg match will be played on 26 March at Jordon.