With just days left before the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan, uncertainty looms large as the Afghan football team has not yet received visas to enter Pakistan. The crucial qualifier is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 9, but visa delays have thrown the match preparations into doubt.
According to sources, only three players and ten officials of the Afghan team have so far been issued Pakistani visas through the Embassy in Kabul. However, several Afghan players currently based abroad are still waiting for their travel documents.
Officials revealed that the delay stems from Afghanistan’s late submission of visa applications on September 27, as well as the selection of incorrect biometric and interview locations. These mistakes have disrupted the process and created uncertainty over the team’s arrival in Islamabad.
The delay also violates AFC regulations, which require all participating teams to secure host country visas at least 30 days before the scheduled fixture.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially informed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the matter and is now exploring options for visa-on-arrival clearance for the remaining Afghan players to ensure the match proceeds as planned.
However, if the issue persists and the Afghan team fails to arrive on time, PFF plans to request a walkover, citing Afghanistan’s administrative failure as the reason.
Meanwhile, AFC officials are reportedly considering the possibility of rescheduling the match if the visa issue is not resolved promptly.