Pakistan football has been declared to be moving in the right direction by the International Football Federation (FIFA), which has acknowledged noticeable progress over the past year while also stressing the urgent need for constitutional reforms within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).
FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Rolf Tanner shared this assessment during a joint press conference in Lahore, where he was accompanied by PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani and Vice President Naveed Aslam.
Tanner said his two-day visit included extensive consultations with multiple football stakeholders across the country.
According to him, Pakistan football has shown encouraging improvement recently, but the existing governance structure still needs major upgrades to meet international standards.
He emphasized that modern, transparent, and inclusive decision-making systems are essential if Pakistan wants to keep pace with global football development.
Tanner further stated that constitutional reforms within the PFF are now unavoidable, as they are necessary to strengthen stakeholder representation and improve overall governance.
He highlighted that empowering stakeholders remains one of FIFA’s core objectives, especially in developing football nations.
He also mentioned that FIFA committees are currently reviewing financial matters related to the previous PFF Normalisation Committee, underlining the importance of accountability and proper oversight.
Tanner called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth of football in Pakistan.
On the occasion, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani agreed that reforms are essential, pointing out that the federation’s constitution has remained largely unchanged since 2013.
He said updating it in line with FIFA guidelines is necessary to align Pakistan football with modern global practices.
Gilani added that FIFA will also conduct an audit of the former Normalisation Committee’s work.
Despite financial challenges, he noted that the federation has continued to organize domestic competitions and support international participation of Pakistani teams.
He further revealed that the PFF is working on strengthening domestic football structures and is preparing to launch the Pakistan Football League in the near future, which he believes will help uplift the sport at the grassroots level.
Clarifying the purpose of the proposed reforms, Gilani said the changes are not aimed at increasing presidential powers but at ensuring broader representation, including greater inclusion of women and other stakeholders.
He concluded by stressing that the long-term development of football in Pakistan depends on unity and cooperation among all stakeholders, adding that consistent efforts will be key to building a stronger football ecosystem in the country.
