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Days before a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee (NC) informed the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) that the floodlights at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad do not meet FIFA and AFC specifications.
The issue was identified after the PFF team visited Jinnah Stadium on May 3 and 18 to test the lighting and compile an observation report.
A detailed assessment revealed that the floodlights fell short of international standards.
If the inconsistent lighting, especially around the goalposts, is not fixed, the PFF will have to relocate next month’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Saudi Arabia to a neutral venue.
In a letter sent to the PSB, the PFF highlighted the issue and requested immediate action to remedy the situation. However, the PFF expressed disappointment that no progress has been made.
The PFF has urged the PSB to propose remedial measures so they can update FIFA and the AFC accordingly.
Pakistan will face Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan on June 6 and 11, respectively, in the second round of the qualifiers.
The match against Saudi Arabia is scheduled for Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, while the fixture against Tajikistan will take place at Dushanbe Central Stadium.
Pakistan currently sits at the bottom of Group G, having lost all four matches played so far.
Their campaign began with a 4-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in Al-Ahsa in November, followed by a 6-1 loss to Tajikistan in Islamabad the same month.
Jordan then defeated Pakistan 3-0 in Islamabad during Ramadan, with the Shaheens also losing the reverse fixture 7-0 at Amman International Stadium.
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