FIFA Extends PFF Normalization Committee’s Mandate Amid Ongoing Challenges

The mandate of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalization Committee (NC), led by Haroon Malik, has been extended until February 15, 2025, following FIFA’s decision to grant another term to the committee. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize football governance in Pakistan and address longstanding structural challenges.

Speaking to journalists, Haroon Malik, the chairman of the Normalization Committee, confirmed that he would not run for any position in the upcoming PFF elections. Instead, he emphasized the committee’s role in creating a transparent electoral framework for the federation.

FIFA has been advocating constitutional reforms within the PFF since 2011. However, these efforts have faced resistance from Congress members, who favor maintaining exclusive eligibility for presidential candidates. Malik highlighted the need for inclusivity and transparency, aligning with FIFA’s broader governance principles.

The Normalization Committee was initially restructured in January 2021, following the resignation of the previous chairman. Its current members include:

This team assumed their duties after passing FIFA’s eligibility checks, with the aim of overseeing PFF elections and introducing governance reforms.

Malik also addressed operational challenges, such as the Pakistan Sports Board’s charges for stadium rentals, which strain the already limited resources of the PFF. Despite these issues, the committee remains committed to working under FIFA’s regulations while navigating local bureaucratic and financial hurdles.

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has repeatedly emphasized the importance of normalization in Pakistan football, particularly as the nation continues to lag behind regional counterparts in infrastructure and development. FIFA is expected to announce further directives regarding the NC’s progress by early February.