After a prolonged period of administrative turbulence and international suspensions, Pakistan football is showing clear signs of revival under PFF president Syed Mohsen Gilani. The leadership change has rapidly shifted focus back to rebuilding the game at all levels.
Between 2015 and 2025 internal conflicts, legal battles and repeated FIFA suspensions disrupted domestic competitions and denied players crucial opportunities. The extended tenure of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee contributed to years of stagnation that left officials and supporters frustrated and football development largely on hold.
Gilani’s election in May 2025 is widely seen as a turning point. His administration moved quickly to restore engagement with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and the South Asian Football Federation, while also strengthening ties with several foreign football bodies to reopen pathways for coaching, refereeing and youth development.
National teams have returned to regular international competition, participating in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, AFC U23 and U17 qualifiers, the SAFF U17 Championship, the FIFA Women’s Series 2026, AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, SAFF men’s and women’s futsal championships and the FIFAe World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. This renewed calendar has given players the exposure they had missed for years.
The federation recorded tangible milestones during the year, including the formation of the country’s first men’s and women’s national futsal teams and the launch of a dedicated FIFAe department, enabling Pakistan to enter international esports football for the first time.
Women’s football emerged as one of the most encouraging stories, with the national women’s team claiming a historic 8-0 victory in its debut at the FIFA Women’s Series and delivering competitive performances against higher-ranked sides. Youth teams also returned to the international calendar, providing vital experience for emerging talent.
Off the field the PFF intensified cooperation through agreements on coach education, referee development, youth exchanges, infrastructure support and planning for a professional league. Pakistan also secured its highest-ever representation on FIFA and AFC committees, strengthening the country’s voice in regional and global football decision-making.
Development projects advanced alongside institutional outreach, with FIFA Arena initiatives under way, groundwork for a National Football Training Centre and planning for the country’s first professional football league. Talks about a possible visit by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, if finalised, could further accelerate long-term development efforts.
Challenges around governance reforms and institutional strengthening remain, but the direction is clear. Pakistan football has regained momentum and is looking outward with renewed confidence, optimism and a clearer vision for sustainable growth under the current PFF leadership.
