FIFA backs Pakistan football progress, urges swift PFF reforms

ISLAMABAD: FIFA has endorsed the direction of Pakistan football over the past year while pressing for immediate constitutional changes in the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to bring its governance framework in line with international standards.

Speaking at 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 spent two days in Pakistan holding detailed consultations with football stakeholders. On the basis of those discussions, he said reform of the PFF’s governance structure was necessary and could not be avoided.

Tanner said Pakistan football had registered encouraging progress during the last year, but added that changes in governance arrangements were needed to meet global benchmarks. He said FIFA expected Pakistan to move ahead with constitutional amendments aimed at modernising the federation and giving stakeholders a stronger role in decision-making.

Addressing the purpose of the proposed changes, Tanner said: "Empowering stakeholders through constitutional reforms is one of FIFA’s key objectives."

He added that FIFA’s relevant committees were also examining financial matters linked to the PFF Normalisation Committee. Tanner further underlined the need for all stakeholders to work together for the promotion of football across Pakistan.

PFF says constitution needs updating

Mohsen Gilani told reporters that the federation’s constitution had not seen any major revisions since 2013, making reform necessary under FIFA’s directives. He said Pakistan football would remain behind if it did not adapt to changes taking place in the international game.

According to Gilani, FIFA’s recommendations are intended to improve football governance in Pakistan. He also said FIFA has the authority to audit the work of the former Normalisation Committee.

Gilani said the PFF had continued organising domestic and international football activity despite limited financial resources, while also ensuring Pakistani teams took part in international competitions.

League plans and stakeholder representation

Outlining the federation’s plans, Gilani said the PFF is working to strengthen domestic football structures and is preparing to launch the Pakistan Football League in the near future.

He said the proposed constitutional changes are not meant to increase the powers of the PFF president. Instead, he said, the amendments are designed to provide broader representation to football stakeholders, with particular attention to women’s inclusion.

Gilani reiterated the federation’s commitment to speeding up football development in Pakistan and said cooperation among all stakeholders would be essential for the game’s long-term progress in the country.