Otis Khan: Grimsby Town midfielder hopeful of Pakistan resolution in Fifa case

Otis Khan had played a friendly against Mauritius before he was prevented from playing in Pakistan's qualifier with Cambodia

Grimsby Town midfielder Otis Khan remains positive about the prospects of returning to the Pakistan team, despite being prevented from featuring in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Khan, 28, was told two hours before kick-off that he would not be able to play against Cambodia.

He had previously made his debut against Mauritius, but a query about eligibility forced him to miss out.

"I'm sure it will be resolved," Khan told BBC Radio Humberside.

"The conversation has been positive. Things are looking well at the moment. I've got a Pakistani passport and an identity card.

"Fifa need to get a few more letters and documents from the Pakistani government, and I'm sure it'll be resolved."

Khan's case is being pushed by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), who recently appointed London-born coach Stephen Constantine as manager.

The PFF said in a statement after Khan was prevented from playing against Cambodia: "The issue revolves around a specific requirement that one of Otis' grandparents must have been born in Pakistan.

"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."

Pakistan won their first round, second leg qualifier against Cambodia and have now been placed in a group with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

"It's a high-priority case," Khan added. "They've reassured me that they're looking into it and doing everything they possibly can, Fifa and the Pakistani government.

"The next game coming up is three or four weeks away so it's more than enough time to get it done."