KARACHI: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has refused No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for women team's tour to Singapore.
Pakistan women team was scheduled to play two friendly matches against Singapore on 15th and 18th July, and they were scheduled to depart on the evening of the 13th for these games.
The PFF had sought NOC from PSB for touring Singapore, but their request was denied.
PSB letter to PFF mentions that federations are required to submit all relevant documents for government clearance at least six weeks before the departure date.
"In view of aforesaid instructions, PSB is not in a position to process the case at this belated stage," the PSB letter states.
It is worth mentioning that the Football Association of Singapore sent official confirmation of the tour to PFF on 26th June, and PFF wrote the letter for NOC on 27th, which was delivered to PSB soon after Eid Holidays.
A source in PFF wondered how PSB can expect a federation to send documents for NOC even before the tour is confirmed.
The denial of NOC means the Pakistan women football team is set to miss the opportunity of playing international games during the FIFA window.
Last month, the PFF had to wait until the last minute for NOCs to tour Mauritius and India.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.