AFL Pakistan’s Mismanagement Costs Teams Asia Cup Glory

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Years of dedication and preparation by Pakistan’s Australian Football League (AFL) teams culminated in a devastating debacle at the Asia Cup in Vietnam, owing to administrative mismanagement.

Players, coaches, and supporters were left stunned as critical visa issues and organizational failures undermined what could have been a landmark achievement for the country.

The men’s team entered the tournament without their captain, Talha Yousaf, and three other pivotal players, while the entire women’s team was forced to withdraw due to incomplete visa approvals.

Despite a year of rigorous preparation, these logistical failures led to a bitter loss of opportunity, sparking widespread criticism.

Talha Yousaf, the captain of the men’s team, expressed dismay at the situation. “Some players had their visas, but others, including myself, were left behind. We worked so hard for this, and the last-minute setback is just incomprehensible,” he lamented.

The men’s squad, consisting of 15 players, saw only a fraction of its top talent reach Vietnam. 

The absence of four key players significantly weakened the team, yet the remaining members delivered a valiant performance, showcasing remarkable commitment and sportsmanship.

On the women’s side, the newly appointed captain, Hajra, had to watch from the sidelines. Of the 15 women in the squad, only 8 received visas, leaving the team unable to field the minimum required 9 players. This forced the women’s team to forfeit their participation altogether.

National coach Michael Gallus, who had dedicated years to developing AFL in Pakistan, resigned in protest against the mismanagement. Gallus highlighted the extensive preparation by both teams, including months of training and sacrifices made by players.

“It is an absolute farce. The men’s captain, Talha Yousaf, and three other top players were left behind, while the entire women’s team couldn’t participate despite their hard work. This is an embarrassment,” Gallus said.

Gallus, who has been a volunteer coach for AFL Pakistan since 2017, expressed pride in the players’ dedication but cited the administration’s incompetence as his reason for stepping down. “These teams are true heroes of Pakistan. They deserved better,” he said in his resignation letter.

The debacle has raised serious concerns about AFL Pakistan’s leadership. Despite the players’ and coach’s efforts, delays in visa applications and poor coordination have wasted years of progress. The men’s team officials who traveled to Vietnam included Chaudhery Zulfiqar and women’s coach Irfan, but their presence could not compensate for the absence of key players.

The AFL Pakistan teams had previously made history, with the men’s squad winning the 2022 Male Division 3 AFL Asian Championships on their first attempt. However, this year’s failure underscores the urgent need for administrative reform to prevent such incidents in the future.

While the players’ resilience remains commendable, the AFL Pakistan administration must address these failures and rebuild trust with its teams. With proper planning and accountability, the potential for Pakistani athletes to shine on international platforms remains strong.