LAHORE: Pakistan’s long-delayed return to football stability will be driven by a FIFA–AFC guided reform programme rather than merely the launch of a domestic league, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani said, revealing that international football bodies are now directly advising the federation on restructuring governance, competitions and club systems.
According to Gilani, the Pakistan Football League will be introduced only after Pakistan’s football framework meets modern international standards in administration, licensing and competition management.
Speaking to media in Lahore, the PFF chief disclosed that consultations with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are already shaping the blueprint of the upcoming football league. “This league will be different from anything we have seen before because it is being designed through technical guidance from the global football system,” Gilani said. “We don’t want a rushed tournament—we want a credible competition that earns international respect.”
Gilani also revealed that the federation has received encouraging interest following the official Letter of Intent (LOI) call from potential investors and operators. “There are parties willing to bring football into a business and professional environment. Our responsibility is to make sure the structure is correct before handing it over,” he added.
Another major pillar of reform, the PFF chief stressed, is the revival of departmental football — long regarded as Pakistan’s lifeline for player development and employment. “A player without a job cannot play professional football. Departments are not optional, they are essential,” Gilani said while once again urging government institutions and the Prime Minister to implement the promised restoration of departmental sports units.
Highlighting Lahore’s significance, Gilani called the provincial capital the heartbeat of Pakistan football. “You don’t revive football without Lahore. The city must stay active year-round with matches, leagues and youth tournaments,” he said, praising local organisers for keeping the game alive during uncertain years and reaffirming PFF’s commitment to grassroots development as the foundation of any league system.
On administrative matters, Gilani confirmed that the appointment of the PFF General Secretary is in its final stages following shortlisting of candidates. “Strong leadership is necessary if we want continuity after so many disruptions,” he said.
Meanwhile, football action on the ground provided a fitting backdrop to administrative developments as Baba Football Club lifted the District Football Championship trophy after defeating Fame Sports Club 5–4 on penalties in a tense final played under floodlights at the Fame Football Ground. The match had ended goalless in regulation time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tightly contested affair.
Gilani attended the final as chief guest and handed over trophies and medals to players, joined by PFF Senior Vice President Hafiz Zaka, Punjab FA President Naveed Aslam Lodhi, DFA Lahore President Zia Arif Dogar and former NC member Shahid Khokhar.
Later, Hafiz Zaka confirmed that negotiations with departments for reviving football teams are ongoing, while Naveed Lodhi announced that the Punjab FA Congress meeting will be held later this month, followed by the publication of the provincial football calendar.
