ISLAMABAD: Pakistan coach Stephen Constantine provided an update about star winger Otis Khan’s availability ahead of the second leg of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Cambodia.
Constantine revealed that Khan is yet to receive clearance from FIFA and is a doubt for tomorrow’s game in Islamabad.
"Otis Khan is not yet cleared by FIFA. He will play tomorrow if the decision about his clearance comes before match," Constantine said on Monday during a press conference.
It must be noted that Khan was barred from participating in the first leg by game’s governing body FIFA, which ruled him ineligible, despite him possessing a Pakistani passport.
Khan made his Pakistan debut against Mauritius in a friendly last June. His eligibility was based on his paternal grandfather, Kanwar Jamil Mohammed Khan, who was born in Delhi but later relocated to Pakistan following the partition in 1947, subsequently settling in Manchester.
“To say I'm gutted is an understatement. With the great support and blessing I've received from my club manager, supporters and teammates, I've travelled thousands of miles around the world to get here and to find out 2 hours before kick off I'm ineligible to play in a historic game is heartbreaking! How could this happen!? Angry, disappointed, let down, gutted. I don't know what to say!” Khan said on his official social media accounts.
“I am so proud to represent this country and like any young player simply had a dream to play for the National team. Someone needs to answer for this as you're stopping a simple dream from becoming possible! FIFA please deal with this urgently as I'm sat in hotel waiting for you to do your admin!” he added.
It must be noted that the first leg between Pakistan and Cambodia ended in a goalless draw. This marked the end of Pakistan's 12-match losing streak. They will play their first competitive fixture in Pakistan since 2011 in the second leg in Islamabad on October 17.
Arfa Feroz Zake
