Kunj Football Ground lease ‘unlawfully’ cancelled, says PFF

LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has voiced strong objections to the recent cancellation of the lease agreement for the Kunj Football Ground by the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Abbottabad.

According to PFF, this decision is not only unilateral but also unlawful, violating the terms of a long-standing agreement. An official of the PFF said the original lease was approved by the Tehsil Council Abbottabad on September 11, 2006, for a period of 30 years, set to expire on September 11, 2036. However, the TMA abruptly canceled this lease, disregarding the legal framework of the agreement, the official added.

This cancellation decision was made following a report submitted on July 31, 2024, and subsequent consultations. On August 1, 2024, the Local Council Board communicated their approval of the cancellation and suggested transferring the Kunj Football Ground to the Sports Department of Abbottabad under a new lease.

The PFF is particularly concerned because this decision was made without sufficient consultation with it. The PFF, with support from FIFA’s Goal Project, has made substantial investments in upgrading the Kunj Football Ground, turning it into a vital hub for football development in the region.

By canceling the lease, the TMA Abbottabad has undermined the investments made by FIFA and the PFF. The PFF is now considering legal options and appealing to relevant authorities to address this issue.