Praful Patel assured us India-Pak matches, ISL appearances: Pakistan Football Federation

Despite AIFF president Praful Patel’s denial, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has insisted that they have been assured of more opportunities and representation in the Indian Super League (ISL). The PFF has issued a press release on Friday, saying Patel has ‘confirmed to resume regular series between Pakistan and India beginning next year.’

Senior PFF officials have claimed that Patel used these two issues as bargaining chip to ensure his counterpart Faisal Saleh Hayat withdrew his nomination for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) south zone vice-president position and back him instead. Hayat, who holds considerable clout in the AFC having served in its executive committee, was the sole challenger to Patel for the newly-created position.

However, the PFF president pulled out of the race just hours before the voting took place in Manama last Thursday, following a meeting that took place between him and Patel the night before. It paved the way for Patel to become the AFC vice-president during its Congress.

The PFF issued a press release stating that Patel, along with other South Asian football officials, has assured Hayat of his ‘complete support and backing’ to Pakistan.

“Praful Patel has confirmed to resume the regular friendly series between Pakistan and  India starting next year. He also assured PFF President to work closely & will ensure that talented players from Pakistan will be invited to play in the Indian Super League,” the release said. Patel has denied making either of the promises.  Pakistan has claimed Patel had assured to include players from the country in the inaugural edition of the ISL but did not fulfil it. This time, too, the chances of Pakistani players being picked for the ISL are pretty slim, considering the teams have been given the freedom to choose their own foreign players instead of the draft system that was adopted last year.

A franchise official said they haven’t been informed about the inclusion of Pakistani players yet. “It is unlikely to happen. Unless the organisers specifically want the Pakistani players to be a part of the ISL, it won’t happen because none of the clubs would opt for them. There are better options available in the market,” the official added.