India likely to tour Pakistan in early 2005 for soccer tourney

KOLKATA, JULY 6 (UNI) After the revival of cricketing ties between the two neighbouring countries, the Indian football team is likely tour Pakistan to play a three-nation football tournament early next year.

AIFF Secretary Alberto Colaco told UNI over phone from Goa that the Pakistan Soccer Association had sent an invitation to the Indian counterpart, inviting them to participate in a three-nation soccer tournament featuring India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emiretes.

The tournament was scheduled to be held in October this year.

But Mr Colaco said since India would be busy playing the World Cup Qualifiers at that time,they have requested the Pakistan Association to postpone the tournament till January next year.

''We have requested them to reschedule the tournament for January end, 2005. We are yet to get a reply but hope it will be in the positive. We have just sent the reply and besides there is a lot of time,'' Mr Colaco said.

He added it will be great if soccer ties could be revived between the two countries on a regular basis.