LAHORE: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) officials on Tuesday sought to project unity and renewed international backing following their engagements at the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver, while acknowledging concerns raised by global football bodies over the federation’s long-standing instability.

Addressing a press conference at the PFF headquarters here, chief operating officer Shahid Khokhar, flanked by vice-presidents Hafiz Zakaullah, and Naveed Aslam Lodhi and executive committee members Raja Amer Khan and Mohsin Ali Chaudhry, and legal director Ali Akram, said both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had emphasised the need for institutional stability in Pakistan football.

“FIFA has expressed concern over the instability which the PFF has witnessed over the last several years,” Shahid admitted. “We have assured them that all stakeholders are now united for the promotion and development of football in the country.”

Pakistan football has endured years of administrative turmoil, including the appointment of a FIFA-backed Normalisation Committee in 2019, suspension of PFF membership in 2021 following a hostile takeover of its Lahore headquarters, and prolonged litigation over control of the federation and its financial assets.

FIFA eventually lifted the suspension after regaining control of the PFF offices in 2022, paving the way for fresh administrative efforts culminating in recent structural developments.

Shahid revealed that during the Vancouver meetings, the PFF delegation, led by president Mohsen Gilani, held extensive bilateral talks with several football federations.

Countries such as Canada, Saudi Arabia and China assured technical and developmental support, while additional engagements with Indonesia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Guyana, Namibia and Barbados further broadened Pakistan’s international outreach.

“These interactions reflect renewed global confidence in Pakistan football,” Shahid said, adding that cooperation would focus on grassroots and youth development, women’s football, coach education, referee training, futsal, and international exposure opportunities.

He also disclosed that Canada had expressed willingness to send scouts to identify Pakistani talent, while plans were under discussion to establish a football academy with international collaboration.

Zakaullah reiterated that stability remained the foremost priority. “International football authorities, along with domestic stakeholders including government bodies and the corporate sector, strongly desire stability within the PFF,” he said. “No adventure will be allowed to destabilise the federation.”

Responding to questions regarding reported differences within the PFF leadership, particularly over a power-sharing understanding between Mohsen and Zakaullah, Shahid stopped short of denial but insisted that internal matters would be resolved amicably.

“We are committed to ensuring that such issues do not disrupt the system again,” Shahid said.

In a message shared during the press conference, Mohsen described Pakistan’s participation at the FIFA Congress as a significant diplomatic milestone.

“The international football community has shown strong confidence in our vision,” he stated, adding that Pakistan was increasingly being recognised as a “positive and unifying force through football”.

Officials also confirmed that the PFF’s bank accounts, which had been frozen amid previous disputes, had now been restored and were fully operational — a key step towards administrative normalisation.

Looking ahead, Shahid announced plans to launch a nationwide club championship structure from district to national level, aimed at reviving football activity across the country.

He conceded, however, that years of disruption had taken a heavy toll.

“Pakistan football has suffered greatly due to instability,” he said. “Now our focus is on rebuilding the system and ensuring sustainable growth.”

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026