Pakistan Attack Condemned by Asian Football Chief

An attack that killed 11 people and maimed 24 at a football match in Pakistan this week has been condemned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president, Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

The bombing took place in Karachi on Wednesday. A provincial government minister was the apparent target.

The AFC president released a starement that read: “It’s shameful to attack those who are enjoying a football game. Some of the innocent fans who lost their lives would have been budding footballers. Football has long given solace to people around the globe.”

The AFC has confirmed Pakistan will still host qualifiers for the 2014 under-15 Asian Championship, as part of efforts to increase the sport’s popularity in a nation where cricket is the dominant sport.