Pakistan football’s declining future may remain uncertain for a long time. Reports indicate that the Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination is set to make key recommendations to FIFA in search of a solution, thereby directly interfering in the affairs of the Pakistan Football Federation.
The global governing body recently banned Pakistan football again and does not tolerate unauthorized bodies intervening in official matters which could have further implications for the country.
FIFA’s bylaws have not deterred the IPC’s standing committee, which held a meeting on 6th February 2025, to map out potential solutions.
Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Normalization Committee has been directed to establish a Review Committee to mediate between the Normalization Committee and the newly elected Congress.
This mediation will specifically address the proposed constitutional amendments by FIFA and AFC, with the Review Committee’s objective being to ensure compliance with both FIFA’s rules and the PFF Constitution while resolving ongoing leadership and governance issues within Pakistan football.
The Standing Committee also announced the formation of a subcommittee under the leadership of Anjum Aqeel Khan, MNA, with the assistance of Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, Mr. Jamshed Ahmed Dasti, and officials from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). This subcommittee is tasked with several crucial responsibilities.
It will examine the eligibility criteria for Congress membership and determine who holds the authority to select members; review the appointment of three controversial Congress members to ensure that the process aligns with the PFF Constitution; assess the criteria for appointing the PFF President with an emphasis on transparency and adherence to governance standards; evaluate FIFA’s mandate in appointing members of the Normalization Committee, reviewing the extent to which its objectives have been met; assess the eligibility criteria for district clubs’ membership to ensure fair representation; and make recommendations to FIFA based on its findings, which will be pivotal in reforming Pakistan’s football governance structure.
Although these efforts are seen as a temporary measure to help restore Pakistan’s membership, FIFA is unlikely to pay much attention since it does not recognize interference from unauthorized bodies, under which the IPC’s committee falls.
As the future of Pakistan football hangs in the balance, the power struggle between FIFA, AFC, and the PFF Congress threatens to drag on indefinitely.
