A violent altercation broke out after the semi-final match of the National Football Games between the Pakistan Army and WAPDA at the KPT Sports Complex in Karachi, resulting in injuries to several players and officials. T
The incident, which took place in front of live television cameras, prompted the Pakistan Football Federation and the country’s national Olympic body to launch a formal investigation as social media circulated the footage and demanded accountability from both teams involved.
A brawl broke out immediately after the final whistle when WAPDA team members confronted the Army players over their celebrations after a narrow victory. The dispute quickly escalated, drawing players and officials from both sides exchanging punches and kicks on the field. The incident resulted in physical injuries, although the exact number and severity have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Footage from the match showed particularly aggressive behavior by some WAPDA players who chased the match referee into his dressing room. Reports suggest the referee was physically assaulted before other officials and players intervened to save him from further injury. The catalyst for the unrest appears to have been a penalty kick awarded to the army side by the referee, a decision strongly contested by the WAPDA players.
Public reaction intensified as the violent scenes were broadcast live and widely shared on social media platforms, prompting calls for strict action against the perpetrators. Many viewers, including sports commentators, have expressed concerns about the safety of officials and the impact of such incidents on the reputation of the national games.
Reacting to the controversy, a Pakistan Football Federation official quoted by PTI said, “The PFF official said they have taken cognizance of the incident and the Pakistan Olympic Association will also look into the matter as the national games fall under its provisional control.”
The same official added: “We will conduct our own investigation and disciplinary action will be taken against players and officials found to be involved in inciting or starting a fight,” reinforcing the federation’s commitment to upholding disciplinary standards and holding those involved in the altercation accountable.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
December 11, 2025
