Otis Khan: Grimsby Town midfielder 'angry' as Fifa blocks Pakistan involvement

Otis Khan has scored three goals in 36 League Two appearances for Grimsby

Grimsby Town midfielder Otis Khan said he is "angry and disappointed" after Fifa prevented him playing for Pakistan in a World Cup qualifier.

Khan, 28, qualified for the Asian country through his late grandfather and made his debut in a friendly against Mauritius in the summer.

He was set to feature against Cambodia on Thursday before being told two hours before the game he could not play.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) said it is a "unique matter".

"The issue revolves around a specific requirement that one of Otis' grandparents must have been born in Pakistan," the federation said in a statement.

"In his case, his grandfather was born in Delhi, British India, prior to the partition and subsequently migrated to Pakistan, like millions of others. Fifa has neither confirmed his ineligibility nor definitively declared him eligible, and their decision remains pending.

"We want to emphasise that we are actively collaborating with Fifa to address this matter comprehensively.

"Otis is not only a vital member of our team but has already represented Pakistan with distinction. Our ongoing discussions with Fifa aim to resolve this issue and provide a resolution that recognises his eligibility."

BBC Radio Humberside understands Fifa has requested the necessary documentation from the PFF to determine Khan's eligibility, but talks are ongoing between the two bodies to see if the requirements can be fulfilled.

Fifa's regulations suggest that, as Khan's grandfather was born in an area that falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Football Association, their stance on the midfielder is unlikely to change.

Khan started his senior career with Sheffield United and had spells with teams including Yeovil, Mansfield, Tranmere, Walsall and Leyton Orient before joining the League Two Mariners in July 2022.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Khan said it was "heartbreaking" to get such late notice of his unavailability.

He added: "How could this happen!? Angry, disappointed, let down, gutted. I don't know what to say.

"I am so proud to represent this country and like any young player simply had a dream to play for the national team.

"Someone needs to answer for this as you're stopping a simple dream from becoming possible!

"Fifa please deal with this urgently as I am sat in a hotel room waiting for you to do your admin."

Pakistan drew the game 0-0 in Cambodia and will host the second leg in Islamabad on Tuesday, with the winner of the tie going through to participate in a group qualifying process.

The draw ended a run of 12 successive defeats for Pakistan, who are ranked 197 out of 207 teams in the world and have twice been banned by Fifa in the past six years because of political interference.