After nearly a decade marked by chaos, courtroom disputes, and repeated FIFA suspensions, the winds of change appear to be sweeping through Pakistan football once more and this time, they carry the promise of genuine progress — a sentiment echoed by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
On his first visit to Pakistan in almost ten years, Sheikh Salman struck an optimistic tone, noting that he finally sees “confidence, unity, and intent” to rebuild the sport in the country.
Speaking after a marathon day of meetings with senior government officials, the AFC President described his visit as “a turning point” for the future of football in Pakistan.
“Pakistan has wasted too many years in crisis. But now, with a stable federation and government backing, the only way forward is up,” he told reporters in Islamabad.
Since 2015, Pakistan football has been mired in controversy — from internal power struggles to recurring FIFA sanctions. The appointment of Mohsen Gilani as PFF President earlier this year marked the end of the Normalisation Committee’s seven-year tenure, offering a fresh start for the sport’s governance.
Sheikh Salman, who also serves as FIFA’s Senior Vice President, expressed confidence in Gilani’s leadership.
“I’ve known Mohsen for a long time. He’s a football person, a FIFA Masters graduate, and someone who understands both the sporting and governance sides of the game. But we need to give him support — and accountability must follow,” he said.
The AFC chief confirmed that financial aid and project funding from FIFA and AFC will resume for Pakistan football once it completes the necessary audits and adheres to global governance standards.
“We’re ready to support Pakistan, but transparency is non-negotiable,” AFC President emphasized. “If the right systems are in place, the support will flow.”
He also underscored the urgency of reviving Pakistan’s domestic football structure — particularly the Pakistan Premier Football League, which has not been held since 2019. As discussions continue over whether to adopt a franchise-style format or return to a traditional club-based league, Sheikh Salman stressed that the model must reflect local realities.
“Pakistan doesn’t need a flashy three-month league — it needs a sustainable, professional system that grows the game year-round,” he said. “Start steady, build credibility, and the rest will follow.”
While measured in his optimism, Sheikh Salman noted that this visit feels “different” — suggesting that Pakistan football may finally be ready to rise again.
As Pakistan seeks to build a football legacy free from internal and external strife, a vote of confidence from Asia’s highest governing body could prove pivotal in turning aspiration into achievement.