The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalization Committee (NC) has announced that an Extraordinary Congress will take place on January 23, 2025.
This key meeting will focus on amending the PFF Constitution in preparation for the much-anticipated elections of the country’s football governing body.
The Congress, which will be held online, marks a significant step towards resolving the ongoing administrative issues surrounding the PFF.
A Long-Awaited Gathering
The original Extraordinary Congress planned for November was marred by controversies over the exclusion of four departmental representatives from the meeting. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials had traveled to Lahore for the gathering, but the event had to be called off due to these objections. The upcoming Congress, however, will be conducted virtually to avoid further logistical complications.
FIFA Pushes for Constitutional Changes
FIFA, which appointed the Normalisation Committee in September 2019 to oversee the restructuring of the PFF, has emphasized the need for constitutional amendments before the elections.
One of the major proposed changes involves the candidacy of the PFF president. The suggestion is to hold an open election where any football official or former player, nominated by a single Congress member, can stand for president.
This push for reform is part of FIFA’s broader efforts to ensure greater transparency and inclusivity in the election process. In a letter sent to PFF NC Chairman Haroon Malik last year, FIFA highlighted the urgency of the situation, reminding the committee that the NC’s mandate had been extended until February 15, 2025.
Reinstatement of Four Departments
After the November postponement, a series of appeals were made, leading to the reinstatement of four departments—Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Police, and Pakistan Railways—into the PFF Congress. These departments were previously excluded due to non-compliance with the PFF’s statutory requirements.
The PFF Disciplinary Committee recently issued a decision confirming their reinstatement, with an emphasis on adherence to the PFF Constitution going forward.
Structure of the PFF Congress
The PFF Congress is composed of 26 members, with 14 elected representatives: three from each of the four provinces and one from Islamabad, plus the president of the Pakistan Football Referees Association.
In addition, eight members are nominated by various departments, and one representative comes from the winner of the Women’s Championship. Three women members are also elected to meet the quorum requirements.
