Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is preparing to introduce major changes to its constitution to meet FIFA's international standards and maintain access to financial assistance, following nearly eight years of administrative difficulties that left the country's football governing body unable to function properly.
The situation was discussed during the 16th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination, held at Parliament House under the acting chairmanship of MNA Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto.
During the meeting, a PFF representative informed lawmakers that the federation had remained inactive for approximately eight years, prompting FIFA, the international governing body of football, to intervene and conduct elections.
The election results were subsequently recognized by FIFA, paving the way for the federation to restore its administrative structure and resume efforts to develop football across Pakistan.
Despite this progress, the PFF is still required to make changes to its constitution to comply with FIFA's rules and international requirements.
According to officials, the federation has already submitted its constitution to FIFA for examination. The international football body has identified several provisions that require amendments to bring the document into line with its prescribed standards.
The committee was informed that FIFA is expected to formally communicate the proposed amendments by the end of December 2026.
The PFF intends to complete the required constitutional changes during the first quarter of 2027, with the aim of ensuring full compliance with FIFA's regulations.
Officials also informed the committee that FIFA grants and other financial assistance are linked to the federation's compliance with international requirements.
The connection between constitutional reforms and financial support makes the upcoming changes particularly important for the future management and development of football in Pakistan.
Any failure to meet the required standards could affect the federation's eligibility for international financial assistance.
The parliamentary briefing also brought attention to the challenges facing Pakistan football after years of administrative disruption.
Although FIFA has recognized the federation's elections, the PFF must still complete its institutional reforms while working to improve sports facilities and opportunities for players.
During the meeting, the federation also shared plans to establish a football academy in Quetta near Ayub Complex.
The proposed academy is intended to provide better opportunities for football training and development in Balochistan.
The PFF representative said that the selected location already has the basic infrastructure required for the project, although some modifications would be necessary before the facility could become operational.
The proposal has been forwarded to FIFA for consideration and possible support.
However, the committee stressed that football development in Balochistan should not be restricted to Quetta alone.
Lawmakers pointed out that several other districts of the province also require improved sports infrastructure and greater opportunities for young football players.
The committee called upon the PFF to expand its development plans and take steps to promote football activities across different parts of Balochistan.
Members emphasized that providing facilities in smaller districts would help encourage participation in football and create opportunities for emerging talent.
The committee was also briefed on the distribution of sports responsibilities following the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Officials explained that more than 80 percent of sports funding, along with major administrative responsibilities, had been transferred to provincial governments.
Under the existing arrangement, the federal government mainly supports coordination between provincial administrations and sports boards to promote sporting activities nationwide.
The committee was further informed that Rs 6 billion had been allocated for the upcoming SAF Games, while the government would continue providing financial assistance for other international sporting events.
The allocation for the SAF Games was discussed as part of the broader sports development framework and was not presented as a direct allocation to the Pakistan Football Federation.
The meeting highlighted the importance of improving coordination between national sports bodies
