Pakistan football federation remained paralyzed for 8 years, FIFA funding hinges on reforms

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) remained nonfunctional for nearly eight years, forcing FIFA to intervene in its affairs

Islamabad:  The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) remained nonfunctional for nearly eight years, forcing FIFA to intervene in its affairs and conduct elections, while the federation now faces fresh pressure to reform its constitution to remain eligible for international financial assistance.

The prolonged failure of the country’s football governing body came to light during the 16th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination, held at Parliament House on Thursday under the acting chairmanship of Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto.

A PFF representative admitted before the parliamentary committee that the federation had remained nonfunctional for approximately eight years, raising serious questions about the management and administration of football in Pakistan during that period.

The committee was informed that FIFA, the international governing body of football, had taken notice of the situation and conducted elections of the federation. FIFA subsequently recognized the results, allowing the PFF to move forward with efforts to restore its administrative system.

However, the federation’s problems are not yet over, as FIFA has identified constitutional changes that must be made to bring the PFF’s rules into line with international standards.

According to the PFF representative, the federation has already submitted its constitution to FIFA for review. The international football body has identified amendments that are necessary to meet its requirements.

FIFA is expected to formally communicate the required changes to the PFF by the end of December 2026, while the federation plans to complete the constitutional reforms during the first three months of 2027.

The committee was further informed that FIFA’s financial assistance and grants to the PFF are linked to compliance with its international requirements, including the necessary constitutional amendments.

This has placed additional pressure on the federation, as failure to meet the required standards could affect its access to international funding.

The disclosure has brought renewed attention to the governance of Pakistan football, particularly the prolonged period during which the country’s main football organization was unable to function properly.

Meanwhile, the PFF representative informed the committee that a football academy was planned in Quetta, near Ayub Complex, as part of efforts to promote the sport in Balochistan.

Officials said that the proposed site already had the basic infrastructure needed for the academy and would require only certain modifications before it could become operational.

The project has been submitted to FIFA for consideration and possible support. However, no final decision on financial assistance for the academy was reported during the meeting.

The parliamentary committee expressed concern that football development should not remain limited to Quetta, pointing out that other districts of Balochistan also need better sports facilities and opportunities for young players.

Committee members emphasized that the PFF must take practical steps to improve football infrastructure and expand sporting activities across other districts of the province.

The committee’s observations highlighted the need to provide football facilities beyond major cities so that talented young players in smaller districts can also participate in the sport.

The meeting was also informed that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, sports responsibilities and more than 80 percent of sports funding had been transferred to provincial governments.

Officials explained that the federal government’s main role is now to coordinate between provincial governments and sports boards to support the development of sports across the country.

The committee was also informed that Rs 6 billion had been allocated for the upcoming SAF Games, while financial assistance for other international sporting events would continue. The allocation was not described as funding specifically for the PFF.

The developments come at a crucial stage for Pakistan football, with the federation attempting to rebuild its administrative structure after nearly eight years of inactivity while also meeting FIFA’s requirements for continued financial support.