Pakistan Football Federation Suspension Revoked
The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has officially lifted its suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The decision comes after successful constitutional amendments were approved in an Extraordinary Congress held in Lahore last week.
FIFA Acknowledges Pakistan’s Compliance
Following the approval of FIFA’s proposed amendments, the world football governing body revoked the ban. The PFF Normalisation Committee (NC) member, Shahid Khokhar, confirmed the development and expressed gratitude towards FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for their continuous support.
“The suspension ended after the amendments were passed in the PFF Congress meeting,” said Khokhar.
He further added, “The Pakistan Football Federation is grateful to FIFA and AFC for their continued support.”
FIFA’s Condition for Lifting the Ban
FIFA had initially imposed the suspension due to governance and structural issues within the PFF. However, the football body made it clear that the ban would only be lifted once the PFF Congress approved the FIFA and AFC-proposed constitution.
“The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC,” FIFA had stated earlier.
With the amendments now in place, Pakistan’s football governance is expected to improve, ensuring a stable future for the sport in the country.
Impact on Pakistan’s Participation in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers
The lifting of the ban comes as a major relief for Pakistan’s national football team, which was at risk of missing out on the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers scheduled to begin next month.
The AFC had previously warned that if FIFA did not revoke Pakistan’s suspension by March 4—three weeks before the opening match—the team would be withdrawn from the competition. Now, with the ban lifted, Pakistan’s participation is back on track.
A New Era for Pakistan Football
The removal of FIFA’s suspension marks a significant milestone for Pakistan football. It opens doors for international participation, player development, and long-term structural reforms. With FIFA and AFC backing the PFF, Pakistan can now focus on rebuilding its football ecosystem and strengthening its presence on the global stage.
Football fans across the country are hopeful that this decision will lead to a new era of progress and stability for the sport in Pakistan.
Khalid Javed is a distinguished journalist and the esteemed Editor of Daily Olympic, a prominent publication in Pakistan. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Khalid has established himself as a well-known figure in the field of journalism, earning respect for his insightful reporting and editorial expertise. His work at Daily Olympic reflects his commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news, particularly in the realm of sports and beyond. Khalid’s contributions to the media landscape in Pakistan have not only informed the public but also inspired aspiring journalists. His passion for journalism and his ability to navigate complex stories with clarity and integrity have made him a trusted voice in the industry.