FIFA has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) with immediate effect after the recently elected PFF Congress rejected the constitutional amendments proposed by the global football governing body.
“The PFF has been suspended with immediate effect due to its failure to adopt a revision of the PFF Constitution that would ensure truly fair and democratic elections and thereby fulfil its obligations as mandated by FIFA as part of the ongoing normalisation process of PFF,” FIFA stated in an official release.
The suspension will only be lifted if the PFF Congress approves the version of the constitution presented by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This latest development further deepens Pakistan football’s long-standing governance crisis and adds pressure on the PFF Congress to align with FIFA’s demands.
Ongoing Governance Crisis
Speaking at a National Assembly Standing Committee meeting on Inter-Provincial Coordination earlier in the day, Haroon Malik, chairman of the PFF Normalisation Committee (NC) appointed by FIFA, had warned that Pakistan was at risk of suspension.
The PFF Congress had rejected the amendments proposed by FIFA during an extraordinary meeting last month, particularly those related to the eligibility criteria for the PFF presidency. FIFA had set a February 15 deadline for the elections, but the rejection of amendments effectively stalled the process, leading to FIFA’s decision to suspend the PFF.
In an effort to resolve the crisis, Malik has written to PFF Congress members, seeking meetings to discuss a possible resolution. However, given the history of internal disputes within Pakistan football, the path to reinstatement remains uncertain.
History of Suspensions
Pakistan’s football governance has been embroiled in controversy and power struggles since 2015. This marks the third time since 2017 that FIFA has suspended Pakistan, highlighting deep-rooted administrative issues within the country’s footballing structure.
The previous suspensions were also linked to government interference and disputes over PFF leadership. In 2021, FIFA had suspended Pakistan when a group led by Ashfaq Hussain Shah seized control of the PFF headquarters, prompting FIFA to install the Normalisation Committee to oversee the federation’s affairs.
Impact of the Suspension
With this suspension, Pakistan is barred from participating in international football events, and PFF will not receive any FIFA development funds. The decision also affects Pakistan’s domestic football structure, with local clubs and players facing an uncertain future.
If the PFF Congress refuses to adopt FIFA’s amendments, the suspension could be prolonged, further damaging Pakistan’s already struggling football ecosystem. The ball is now in the PFF’s court to resolve the crisis and ensure that Pakistani football returns to the international stage.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Pakistan football. If the PFF Congress concedes to FIFA’s demands, Pakistan can hope for reinstatement. However, if the governance crisis continues, it could set back the development of football in the country even further.
For now, Pakistan football remains in limbo, awaiting a resolution to yet another administrative deadlock.
