AFZAL JAVED

ISLAMABAD: FIFA has backed the progress made by Pakistan football over the past year, describing it as being on the right track while calling for immediate constitutional reforms within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). FIFA officials emphasized that modern governance structures and greater stakeholder empowerment are essential for accelerating the sport’s development and bringing Pakistan in line with global football standards.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani and Vice President Naveed Aslam, FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Rolf Tanner said he had held extensive discussions with various football stakeholders during his two-day visit to Pakistan. Based on those consultations, he stressed that governance reforms within the PFF were both necessary and unavoidable.

Tanner noted that Pakistan football has made positive progress over the last year, but improvements in governance structures are required to meet international standards. He expressed confidence that Pakistan would soon implement the necessary constitutional amendments to modernize the federation and strengthen stakeholder participation in decision-making processes.

“Empowering stakeholders through constitutional reforms is one of FIFA’s key objectives,” Tanner said, adding that FIFA’s relevant committees are currently reviewing financial matters related to the PFF Normalisation Committee (NC). He also stressed the importance of collective efforts from all stakeholders to promote football across the country.

Speaking to the media, PFF President Mohsen Gilani said the federation’s constitution had not undergone any major changes since 2013, making reforms essential in line with FIFA directives. He warned that Pakistan football would continue to lag behind if it failed to keep pace with developments in the global game.

Gilani stated that FIFA’s recommendations are aimed at improving football governance in Pakistan and confirmed that FIFA also holds the authority to audit the work of the former Normalisation Committee. Despite limited financial resources, he said, the federation has continued to organize domestic and international football activities while ensuring the participation of Pakistani teams in international competitions.

Highlighting PFF’s future plans, Gilani revealed that the federation is focusing on strengthening domestic football structures and is preparing to launch the Pakistan Football League in the near future. He clarified that the proposed constitutional amendments do not seek to expand presidential powers but are intended to ensure broader representation of all football stakeholders, particularly women.

Gilani reaffirmed PFF’s commitment to accelerating the growth of football in Pakistan, stressing that collaboration among all stakeholders would be crucial to achieving the long-term success and development of the sport.