Football stars Kaka, Figo to visit Pakistan in January

KARACHI: Two of the biggest names of the football world, Ricardo Kaka of Brazil and Luis Figo of Portugal, are set to visit Pakistan next month after the government assures issuance of visa to the duo.

An official of the sports management company Touchsky group confirmed to Geo.tv that both the players will be in Pakistan for a promotional activity ahead of their planned football action.

Earlier, the visit looked under a cloud after Pakistan’s information minister Fawad Chaudhry was quoted by a news agency that the country had denied visas to the duo.

“We refused a visa to Kaka and Figo. Can you believe that? I called the section officer and he never heard of Kaka. I spoke to the interior secretary yesterday and gave him a piece of my mind,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying by Reuters.

However, Chaudhry while speaking to Geo.tv clarified that visas were not denied and only passports were returned.

“Actually not denied but just returned. Now will be issued by tomorrow and they are coming to Pakistan in January,” the information minister told this correspondent.

The duo is invited to Pakistan to formally announce a series of friendly games planned in April, and according to Hasan Rao of Touchsky, there are more stars likely to join.

“This event is going to be a big event for Pakistan Football. Figo and Kaka will be here next month to announce more details about the event which will be held in Pakistan in April,” Rao said.

“I am not in position to reveal further details, but I can confirm that Karachi and Lahore are set to host some big football names and it will surely help us portray a very positive message from Pakistan.”

Rao added that the players will be welcomed by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.