Lahore, Pakistan – In a major development for Pakistan football, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Congress has unanimously approved the amendments proposed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This landmark decision, taken during a crucial meeting chaired by newly appointed PFF Normalization Committee (NC) Chairman Saud Aziz Hashimi, aligns Pakistan’s football governance with FIFA regulations.

With this approval, optimism is growing among PFF insiders and Congress members that FIFA’s ongoing ban on Pakistan will soon be lifted—possibly within days. The timing is critical, as the suspension had jeopardized Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming AFC World Cup qualifiers. Now, barring any unforeseen setbacks, the national team is expected to compete in its scheduled match against Syria on March 25.

High-Level FIFA-AFC Delegation Attends Historic Meeting

The high-stakes meeting, held in Lahore, was attended by a distinguished FIFA-AFC delegation, underscoring the importance of the moment. Notably, AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany led the delegation—the highest-ranking AFC official to visit Pakistan in decades. His presence, along with other key figures, highlighted the urgency with which FIFA and AFC wanted the amendments to be passed to revive and strengthen football governance in Pakistan.

The delegation also included Rolf Tanner, FIFA’s Head of MA Governance; Phrushottam Kattel, Head of AFC’s South Asia Unit; and Sonam Jigmi, Senior Manager of AFC’s South Asia Unit. On the Pakistan side, NC Chairman Saud Aziz Hashimi was joined by core NC members Shahid Niaz Khokhar and Haris Azmat, ensuring the proceedings had a broad representation of stakeholders.

What Amendments Were Passed?

The PFF Congress not only approved all FIFA-AFC proposed amendments but also introduced additional reforms aimed at securing the future of football governance in Pakistan. One of the most significant changes is the requirement that any candidate for the PFF presidency must have the backing of at least five Congress members. This amendment ensures that only candidates with substantial support within the Congress can run for office, addressing concerns that external political and military influences could manipulate the election process.

FIFA officials, however, clarified that the amendments are designed to democratize the election process, making it more transparent and inclusive while strengthening PFF’s governance structure.

When Will the PFF Presidential Elections Take Place?

The delay in holding PFF elections has been a longstanding issue, with FIFA repeatedly extending the NC’s mandate. Over the past four years, several deadlines have come and gone without an election being conducted. However, with the newly approved amendments in place, elections for the PFF presidency are now expected to take place in late April, paving the way for a smooth transition of power from FIFA’s appointed NC to an elected PFF administration.

New Criteria for PFF Presidency Candidates

According to media reports, the revised regulations set a four-year tenure for the PFF president. Furthermore, only PFF Congress members can propose candidates, and any aspirant must have been actively involved in football management or organization—either at the national, provincial, district, or club level—or must have played football at a competitive level for at least two of the last five years.

A New Era for Pakistan Football?

With these sweeping governance reforms, Pakistani football is on the brink of a new era. The amendments not only bring PFF in line with FIFA’s regulatory framework but also set the stage for a stable and democratic leadership transition. If FIFA lifts the ban in the coming days, the national team’s participation in the AFC qualifiers will mark the first step toward a much-needed revival of football in Pakistan.

All eyes will now be on FIFA’s decision and the much-anticipated PFF presidential elections, which could determine the trajectory of the sport in the country for years to come.

You may also be interested in: Haroon Malik’s Legacy: Reformist or Just Another Chapter in Chaos?