Pakistan hoping to cash in on Blatter's visit

Lahore, Jun 15 (UNI) Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is gearing up for the tentatively scheduled November trip of FIFA President Sepp Blatter hoping that his visit will lead to an increase in the financial assistance promised by the body.

Mr Blatter is likely to inaugurate a FIFA Football House here during his visit.

''We are optimistic that game's ruling body chief will be visiting Pakistan as per his promise and his visit will support our efforts for the development of game in the country,'' PFF Secretary Muhammad Arshad Khan Lodhi was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying.

He said the PFF was hoping for a hike in the existing 460,000 dollars being given by FIFA for its ''Goal Project''.

''FIFA has also promised to extend financial support to PFF for building another goal project in Pakistan,'' he said.

The PFF secretary said the FIFA chief congratulated Pakistan for being among the fast improving sides in the world and assured all necessary cooperation for the games' development in the country.

Pakistan has improved from 177th to 153rd in the past one year.

He said FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would be giving 7,00,000 dollars for developing the sport's infrastusture in the areas affected by the last year's earthquake.

''The amount can be increased to 10,00,000 dollars,'' Mr Lodhi said.

''FIFA will soon start five football-related projects in those areas which were badly hit in the earth quake,'' he added.

UNI XC PM AY HT1430