By Nawaz Gohar ;  The historic Estadio Azteca shook to its very foundations on Thursday as global pop icon Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy delivered a breathtaking performance to kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The dazzling opening ceremony perfectly set the stage for the highly anticipated curtain-raiser between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

This year’s expanded 48-team spectacle—co-hosted alongside the United States and Canada—promises to be the largest in football history, spanning a grueling yet exhilarating 104-game schedule that will culminate at the grand final in New Jersey on July 19.

Inside the iconic 80,000-capacity arena—the legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals—the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The newly renovated stadium came alive as legions of dancers swirled around a towering, giant replica of the World Cup trophy.

The visual spectacle was punctuated by a relentless barrage of fireworks that painted the Mexico City sky in vibrant hues.

The undeniable crescendo of the afternoon arrived when Colombian superstar Shakira teamed up with Burna Boy for a thunderous rendition of “Dai Dai”, the official tournament anthem.

The performance drew deafening roars from the packed stands, instantly turning the venue into a massive dance floor. Global hitmaker J Balvin and legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also graced the stage, masterfully ramping up the noise levels to a fever pitch just moments before kickoff.

“It’s already a party in Mexico!” exclaimed Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter draped in national colors. Echoing her euphoria, 19-year-old Gustavo Ramírez simply added, “It’s completely amazing.”

However, the jubilant carnival atmosphere inside the Azteca stood in stark, sobering contrast to scenes unfolding in the heart of Mexico City. Just hours before the 1800 GMT kickoff, thousands of ticketless fans descended upon the official World Cup Fan Zone, triggering chaotic stampede-like conditions.

The flashpoint occurred at the historic Zócalo Plaza, where local authorities had recently erected heavy metal barricades. The barriers, originally intended to blockade striking teachers protesting for higher wages, severely choked the entry points for football fans. As the crowd swelled, desperate supporters began pushing and shoving to gain entry.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here! You’re acting like animals!” a frantic city official bellowed through a megaphone, attempting to restore order as crowds tried to glimpse the giant screens broadcasting the opening match.

The situation grew increasingly volatile as frustrated fans chanted pro-Mexican football slogans, hurled insults, and threw water bottles at lines of riot police. “It’s absolute madness,” remarked Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan trapped in the crush. “The organization could have been vastly better.”

With tensions flaring, the local government abruptly announced on social media that the Zócalo venue had reached maximum capacity, advising incoming crowds to redirect to alternative public plazas across the capital.

The escalating friction also carried political undertones. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was heavily expected to join the public festivities at the Fan Zone to watch the opening game, cast significant doubt over her appearance following days of intense teacher protests that have overshadowed the buildup to this historic sporting moment.

As the beautiful game officially gets underway on the pitch, Mexico finds itself balancing the immense pride of hosting the world’s biggest party with the complex reality of managing it.

Shayek Dost’s stunning overhead kick and Harun Hamid’s solo strike late on helped Pakistan end a 74-year wait for a football tournament title as they beat Afghanistan 1-0 in the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Male on Wednesday.

In front of fans waving the national flag and chanting “Pakistan, Pakistan”, an airborne Shayek showed supreme athleticism to score the opening goal before Harun sealed victory deep in stoppage time, marking it the first time ever that Pakistan have won the final of a stand-alone football tournament.

The Shaheens’ previous tournament triumph, way back in 1952 at the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament, was decided on a league basis that saw them share the trophy with India.
The last time that Pakistan, who have won gold four times at the South Asian Games, had reached a final of a tournament was back in 1962 at the Merdeka Cup.

Afghanistan, who Pakistan had beaten 2-0 in their last round-robin encounter to finish top of the standings, made a strong start but the Shaheens regrouped.

Otis Khan was menacing down the left and after he won a free-kick, Pakistan took the lead in the 24th minute. Afghanistan failed to clear and the ball was then crossed in from the right with Otis’ miskick reaching Shayek on the bounce and thestriker acrobatically found the back of the net.

The goal gave Pakistan the opportunity to stamp their authority on the proceedings and although Afghanistan tried to come back and struck the crossbar in first half injury time, they went into the interval with the lead intact.

Pakistan, who were unbeaten in their run to the final, began the second half with purpose and Adil Nabi struck the bar almost immediately after the restart.

Nolberto Solano’s charges soon turned on the style with some intricate passing moves as fresh legs were introduced but the contest got increasingly fraught as the clock winded down.
Pakistan had a clear cut chance to put the game to bed with nine minutes left but Ali Shah shot straight at the goalkeeper.

At the other end, goalkeeper Saqib Hanif led a watertight defence and Pakistan closed out a historic victory when Harun Hamid struck late on. The winger, on as a substitute, went one way and then the other to leave an Afghanistan defender on the floor before tucking in off the post. It was the cue for Pakistan’s celebrations to begin as the team won a third game in a row to seal the title.

PFF PRESIDENT SYED MOHSEN GILANI CONGRATULATES NATION, DECLARES VICTORY HIGH POINT OF HIS TENURE

“When I took over as President of the Pakistan Football Federation, I had vowed we would do things that had never been done before. First, it was our women’s national team at the FIFA Series and now it is our men’s national team.

“From not having an elected federation for so many years to winning our first final at a stand-alone football tournament, we have come a long way in the space of one year, and this is another step in our journey to change the landscape of Pakistan football,

“ said the PFF chief and added: “This is the day that Pakistan football has announced itself to the world that it has the desire, the courage and the will to persevere and ultimately deliver on the international stage.

“To move forward, you always need a starting point and this triumph for men’s national team will hopefully be exactly that. This is the highest point of my tenure so far and it will herald a new beginning as we pledge to rewrite the history of the sport in Pakistan.

“To the men who have created history, to everyone who has contributed to it, we will continue to provide you with the tools to ensure you raise Pakistan’s flag at the world stage. This is just the start,” Mohsen Gilani concluded.

By Nawaz Gohar ; There is no footballing theatre on earth quite like the Estadio Azteca. On Thursday, this legendary cathedral of sport will achieve an unprecedented milestone, becoming the first venue in history to host matches in three separate World Cups (1970, 1986, and now the expanded 48-team mega-tournament).

Yet, as more than 80,000 fanatical supporters pack into the magnificently renovated colosseum in Mexico City, the air will be thick with something far heavier than just festive optimism. It will be thick with raw, uncompromising pressure.

For Javier Aguirre’s El Tri, the Group A curtain-raiser against South Africa is not just a game; it is an ideological litmus test. Playing on home soil, in a group featuring South Korea and the Czech Republic, Mexico are the clear, undisputed favourites to top the pool. Anything less than a resounding opening-day victory will be immediately branded a national sporting crisis.

Statistically, the hosts could not ask for a more stable foundation. Aguirre has engineered a formidable eight-match unbeaten streak heading into the tournament, matching Mexico’s longest-ever undefeated run prior to a World Cup. However, football history has a funny way of lingering.

Sixteen years ago, these two nations walked out for another World Cup opener—Johannesburg 2010. On that day, a fiercely determined South African side held Mexico to a frustrating 1-1 draw, a result that severely disrupted El Tri’s knockout-stage trajectory. This time around, with a heavily upgraded roster and home-field advantage, Mexico knows that tactical patience will be their greatest asset against a side built to frustrate.

South Africa enters the tournament as fascinating wildcards. Back on the world stage for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 2010, Bafana Bafana are overseen by a man who knows the unique terrors of the Azteca all too well.

Belgian tactician Hugo Broos actually played against Mexico at the Azteca during the 1986 World Cup. He is acutely aware that the stadium itself can become an active twelfth man for the opposition if his players let the environment get under their skin.

“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos reflected calmly ahead of the clash. “It is absolutely vital that we insulate ourselves, stick strictly to the game plan, and block out whatever is happening in those towering stands.”

While Mexico’s preparations have been seamless, South Africa’s buildup has bordered on the chaotic. A series of administrative errors and bureaucratic visa delays left several crucial squad members stranded, severely eating into the team’s vital acclimatization period in the high altitude of central Mexico.

For a squad predominantly composed of domestic-based talent, overcoming both jet lag and the thin air of Mexico City will require a monumental physical effort.

Yet, after emerging from a brutal African qualifying campaign, Broos’s side thrives on adversity. They arrive with no external expectations, zero pressure, and a blueprint from 2010 that proves giants can be stumbled.

For Mexico, the equation is terrifyingly simple: execute, dominate, and claim all three points. For South Africa, the goal is to survive the initial emotional storm, exploit the home side’s nerves, and spoil the biggest party in North American sports. Let the games begin.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the launch of the District Football Championship 2026, a landmark nationwide initiative aimed at revitalising grassroots football, identifying emerging talent, and strengthening domestic football structures across the country.

Addressing a press conference alongside PFF Director Media Umaid Wasim and provincial football heads participating virtually, PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar revealed that, for the first time in Pakistan football’s history, the federation will provide comprehensive professional and administrative support to all the districts to ensure the successful organisation of the championship.

Khokhar credited provincial and regional FAs presidents for their productive contribution in the consultation process and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a transformative step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s football ecosystem from the grassroots level. “Under the leadership of Mohsen Gilani, Pakistan football has already made significant progress internationally and has earned appreciation from FIFA and AFC officials. Now, the focus is on bringing the same vision and commitment to grassroots and domestic football,” he said.

The PFF COO emphasised that the District Football Championship 2026 represents a major investment in the future of Pakistani football, with the objective of creating opportunities for local players and establishing a sustainable talent development pathway. “The PFF is fully committed to making this championship a historic success. Mr. Gilani is very committed and passionate about grassroots events and eager to go to FIFA and AFC for providing all kinds of assistance especially financial in making these events a huge success.

“Through this event, we aim to strengthen domestic football, identify talented players from every corner of the country, and provide them with opportunities to progress to higher levels of the game,” he added.

Khokhar further said that for the first time, the PFF will play an active coordinating and supporting role in the organisation of district-level football competitions. District Football Associations (DFAs) will conduct the events, while the federation will provide logistical, technical and administrative assistance.

He stated: “A collaborative framework has also been established to ensure close coordination among districts, provinces and the federation. Formal consultations and regular meetings will be held to finalise all championship-related matters through mutual discussion and consensus.”

The COO said that all four provincial football associations and the three regions, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are represented on a dedicated committee tasked with ensuring the successful execution of the championship.

The District Football Championship 2026 is expected to deliver several long-term benefits for Pakistan football, including: Strengthening grassroots and domestic football structures, fulfilling constitutional requirements at the District Football Association level, identification and verification of genuine football clubs, nationwide talent identification and player development, capacity building of District Football Associations, greater coordination between districts, provinces and the PFF and enhanced use of modern technology in competition management.

He also revealed that the Pakistan Football Referee Association (PFRA) will also play an important role by providing qualified referees to ensure professional standards throughout the competition. Following the completion of the District Football Championship 2026, the PFF plans to organise the National Club Championship, which will serve as the next stage in the player development pathway.

According to Khokhar, talented players identified through district competitions will receive structured training and development opportunities under qualified PFF coaches. The objective is to systematically prepare promising footballers for representation at various national team levels. “This pathway will enable talented players to progress from district football to club football and ultimately to the national teams through a structured and merit-based system,” he said.

Khokhar also announced details of the upcoming National U17 Championship, another major initiative aimed at strengthening youth football development across Pakistan. He stated that, for the first time, provinces and regions are receiving strategic support from the PFF to establish competitive U17 teams. Each of the four provinces will field two teams, while Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will each enter one team.

The provincial and regional football bodies will be responsible for selecting their squads through the proper channels, while the PFF will bear all expenses associated with the participating teams. The championship is scheduled to take place in the first week of September 2026 and is expected to play a vital role in identifying the country’s most promising young footballers.

The National U17 Championship will serve as a talent identification platform for Pakistan’s future international campaigns. Outstanding performers will be considered for selection to national youth teams competing in the SAFF U17 Championship and the AFC U17 Qualifiers.

Khokhar said the initiative reflects the federation’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for young players under the leadership of PFF President Mohsen Gilani. “Under Mohsen Gilani’s dynamic leadership, Pakistani footballers are being provided with maximum opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities. We hope the talented players selected through these competitions will continue to work hard, represent Pakistan with distinction, and bring international success to the country,” he concluded.

Umar, Harun fire Pakistan into Diamond Jubilee Cup final

 Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in final round-robin fixture in Maldives

 Victory sends Pakistan to the final of a stand-alone football tournament after 64 years

LAHORE: Umar Nawaz’s early strike and a late goal by Harun Hamid gave Pakistan a 2-0 victory over Afghanistan and sent Nolberto Solano’s men through to the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives on Sunday, with the win sealing top spot for the Shaheens in the round-robin stage of the four-nation event.

This is the first time that Pakistan, who have won football gold at the South Asian Games four times, have reached the final of a stand-alone football tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where they ended runners-up to Indonesia. Their last tournament triumph dates to a decade prior to that when they were joint-winners of the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament alongside India.

Coming off a 3-0 victory against the Maldives — the national team’s first win after 961 days, Pakistan needed just a draw to book their place in the final.

A dream start was delivered by Umar in the fifth minute; the striker side-footing home first-time an enticing low cross from fellow frontman Shayek Dost on the left.

The goal helped Pakistan stamp their authority in the opening exchanges with Afghanistan, coaches by former Pakistan coach Jose Antonio Nogueira, finding it difficult to penetrate deep into the opposition half.

With Shayek, Umar and Otis Khan being willing runners up top, and Haris Zeb and Fazal providing width, there remained ever-present danger for Afghanistan.

Otis sent Easah Suliman clear with a delightful diagonal past the half-hour mark but the defender shot over the bar from outside the box.

Afghanistan had a chance to level in first-half injury time when skipper Omid Popalzay struck the bar with a free-kick and it saw Pakistan go into the interval with the lead.

Afghanistan needed to win to be absolutely sure of reaching the final and they came at Pakistan at the start of the second half but it was Nolberto Solano’s men who came closest to scoring when Shayek’s delightful dink on the hour mark sent Ali Agha free but the midfielder shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat. At the other end, the Afghans had a chance when Omid Mosawi headed wide.

Clearcut chances were few and far between as the clock ticked on until Harun Hamid scored with a rasping drive after being sent through by Adil Nabi in the first minute of injury time to send Pakistan into the title clash against either Afghanistan or Bangladesh on June 10.

PFF president hails national men’s team for ending 64-year wait

Pakistan Football Federation president Syed Mohsen Gilani has congratulated the national men’s team on ending the long wait for a final berth in a stand-alone football tournament.

Nolberto Solano’s charges reached the final of the Diamond Jubilee Football Tournament in the Maldives with a 2-0 win over Afghanistan on Sunday, marking it the first time the national team has reached the final of a tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup.

“We have waited for this day for over six decades and I would like to congratulate our team for delivering a result that our fans have long been waiting for,” said Mr Gilani. “This is a sign of growth, hard work and dedication and we will continue to strive to ensure that results like these become the norm rather than an exception.”

LAUSANNE: With just days remaining before the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major geopolitical controversy is brewing behind the scenes.

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has launched a scathing critique against US immigration policies, labeling the visa restrictions faced by officially accredited journalists as “unacceptable” and urging soccer’s governing body, FIFA, to immediately intervene.

The escalating crisis threatens to overshadow the tournament’s opening ceremonies, as media professionals from across the globe find themselves stranded in bureaucratic limbo.

In a direct escalation on Friday, June 5, AIPS President Gianni Merlo—acting on behalf of the AIPS Executive Committee—fired off a high-stakes letter to FIFA’s top media brass, including Director of Media Relations Bryan Swanson and Head of Media Operations & Services Jochen Steinhoff.

The communication, obtained exclusively, highlights a systemic failure that AIPS argues flies in the face of the tournament’s celebrated spirit of global unity.

“Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction,” Merlo wrote, calling out the stark contradiction between political rhetoric and reality.

The restrictions are not just causing delays; they are fundamentally breaking the logistics of sports journalism for a tournament uniquely co-hosted across three North American nations. According to AIPS, the visa bottlenecks are disproportionately impacting reporters from: Iran and Various African Nations.

In a particularly disruptive move, several journalists have only been granted single-entry US visas. Because the 2026 World Cup is split between the US, Canada, and Mexico, any reporter who crosses the border to follow their national team into Canada or Mexico will be legally barred from re-entering the United States to cover the remainder of the tournament.

The human and financial toll on the global press corps is already mounting. Due to the severe delays, many journalists have already seen their pre-booked flights lapse, forcing independent outlets and reporters to face crippling, last-minute travel expenses.

More than just a logistical nightmare, AIPS views this as a direct affront to journalism itself, especially given the host nation involved. “We believe it is important to allow colleagues to attend the event and work,” Merlo emphasized, noting that the free press is vital to the image of the sport, “especially in a country like the United States of America, where freedom of the press is a must.”

With the clock ticking down to the opening whistle, the ball is now firmly in FIFA’s court to pressure US authorities for an immediate resolution.

Lahore: After spending much of the past decade mired in administrative disputes, international suspensions and prolonged uncertainty, Pakistan football is showing signs of a significant resurgence under the leadership of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani.

For years, the sport struggled to overcome governance challenges that severely hindered its development. Between 2015 and 2025, internal conflicts, legal battles and repeated suspensions by FIFA disrupted domestic competitions, restricted international participation and stalled progress at almost every level of the game. The extended tenure of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee further contributed to a period of stagnation that left players, officials and supporters frustrated.

Gilani’s election as PFF president in May 2025 is widely viewed as a turning point for the sport. Within a year of assuming office, his administration moved swiftly to restore Pakistan’s standing within the international football community by strengthening engagement with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and several foreign football bodies.

A key indicator of this renewed momentum has been Pakistan’s return to regular international competition. During the past year, national teams featured in a wide range of regional and continental events, including the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, SAFF U17 Championship, FIFA Women’s Series 2026, AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, SAFF Men’s and Women’s Futsal Championships and the FIFAe World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.

The federation also achieved several notable milestones. Pakistan established its first-ever men’s and women’s national futsal teams and launched a dedicated FIFAe department, enabling the country to participate in international esports football competitions for the first time.

Women’s football emerged as one of the most encouraging success stories of the year. The national women’s team registered a historic 8-0 victory during its debut appearance in the FIFA Women’s Series and delivered competitive performances against higher-ranked opponents. Youth football also returned to the international calendar, providing young players with much-needed exposure after years of limited opportunities.

Off the field, the PFF intensified efforts to expand international cooperation through agreements and partnerships focused on coach education, referee development, youth exchanges, infrastructure enhancement and professional league planning. Pakistan also secured its highest-ever representation on FIFA and AFC committees, strengthening its presence in global football decision-making forums.

The federation has simultaneously advanced several development initiatives, including FIFA Arena projects, plans for the country’s first National Football Training Centre and groundwork for the launch of Pakistan’s first professional football league.

In another potentially landmark development, discussions are reportedly progressing regarding a historic visit by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. If finalized, it would mark the first visit by a FIFA president to Pakistan and could further boost long-term football development efforts in the country.

While challenges related to governance reforms and institutional strengthening remain, Pakistan football appears to have regained momentum. After years of instability and missed opportunities, the sport is once again looking outward with renewed confidence, optimism and a clearer vision for sustainable growth.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  In a major development aimed at revitalizing Australian Rules Football in the federal capital, the Islamabad AFL Association has officially elected its new leadership.

During a high-profile meeting of the General House, Saeed Ullah Jan Marwat was unanimously elected as the President of the Association, tasked with steering the sport forward for the next four-year term.

The General House displayed absolute consensus, electing a dynamic team to manage the association’s administrative and promotional affairs.

The newly elected executive body includes:
Senior Vice President: Fida Hussain
Vice Presidents: Dr. Shania Shafi, Irfan Bhatti, and Naveed Gulzar
Secretary General: Atif Hussain

To ensure seamless grassroots operations and financial transparency, the house elected Wajid Hussain and Gulam Hussain as Associate Secretaries, Hina Arooj as Finance Secretary, Jahnzaib Khan as Joint Secretary, and Taseer Ali as Publicity Secretary. Furthermore, Nadia Zafar, Irfan Khan, and Hajra Shakeel were inducted as Executive Members.

Taking the podium after his landmark election, the newly appointed President, Saeed Ullah Jan Marwat, expressed an unwavering commitment to elevating the profile of AFL in Islamabad through dedication, sincerity, and structured development.

Setting a progressive agenda right from the outset, Marwat dropped a major exclusive announcement: “Our vision is to make Australian Football inclusive and widely accessible. To kickstart this new era, we will soon be hosting a National Women’s AFL Event right here in Islamabad. This tournament will not only showcase top-tier talent but will also act as a catalyst for women’s empowerment in sports across the country.”

The election results have been warmly received by the central governing body of the sport in the country. Sardar Tariq Mahmood, President of Pakistan AFL, alongside Secretary General Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali, extended their heartfelt congratulations to Saeed Ullah Jan Marwat and his newly formed cabinet.

In a joint statement, the central leadership voiced immense confidence in the new capital-based administration, stating that this vibrant team has the potential to transform Islamabad into a powerhouse for Australian Football in Pakistan.

Local sports analysts and enthusiasts have also welcomed the transition, viewing it as a breath of fresh air for the capital’s sports landscape.

FIFA and AFC support roadmap for modern governance from federation to district level

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani has pledged to champion greater representation for football stakeholders in the Federation’s new Constitution, while outlining an ambitious governance reform programme that will extend from the national federation to provincial and district football structures across Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference following a two-day governance workshop conducted by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Gilani said the constitutional reform process presents a unique opportunity to build a more inclusive and representative football system.

“I am not interested in constitutional reforms that give me more power as President,” Gilani said. “I will fight for greater representation of football stakeholders in the new PFF Constitution.”

Gilani stressed that the future governance structure should provide meaningful representation to all sectors of Pakistan football, including women’s football, futsal, beach soccer, eFootball, provincial football associations, clubs and other key stakeholders involved in the development of the game.

The workshop was led by FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Rolf Tanner and AFC Senior Manager of South Asia Unit, Member Associations & Regional Associations Division Sonam Jigmi and focused on the development of a new constitutional framework aligned with FIFA and AFC governance standards.

Addressing the media, Tanner highlighted the positive engagement shown by participants over the course of the workshop, noting that stakeholders actively raised questions and sought clarification on various aspects of the proposed reforms.

He said the discussions helped address concerns, improve understanding of the proposed constitutional framework and build confidence among stakeholders regarding the direction of the reform process.

Tanner also explained that the constitutional reforms are intended to create a governance framework that extends beyond the national federation. Following the adoption of a new PFF Constitution, similar work will be undertaken at provincial level before eventually being implemented at district level, creating a consistent governance structure throughout Pakistan football.

The constitutional review process follows FIFA’s requirement that the PFF modernise its statutes and bring them in line with contemporary FIFA governance standards. The workshop marked a significant step in that process, with detailed discussions covering democratic representation, institutional independence, electoral procedures, integrity mechanisms, financial oversight, independent committees and stakeholder participation in football governance.

Gilani further revealed that the PFF, with the support of FIFA and the AFC, plans to strengthen provincial football associations by helping them recruit professional General Secretaries capable of managing football administration in accordance with modern governance standards.

The initiative is expected to improve operational capacity at provincial level and support the effective implementation of football development programmes across the country.

PFF officials emphasised that the constitutional reform process is being undertaken through extensive consultation with the football community. Following the workshop, a series of focused engagements with stakeholders from across the football ecosystem will take place to gather further feedback before the new Constitution is finalised.

These consultations will involve representatives from provincial associations, clubs, women’s football, futsal, beach soccer, eFootball and other sectors of Pakistan football, ensuring that the final framework reflects the needs and aspirations of the wider football family.

The PFF, FIFA and AFC reaffirmed their shared commitment to completing the reform process as efficiently as possible and establishing a modern governance structure capable of supporting the long-term growth and development of football throughout Pakistan.

Male: Pakistan Head Coach Nolberto Solano and captain Abdullah Iqbal expressed confidence in the national team’s direction and used their pre-tournament press conference to highlight Pakistan’s growing football infrastructure, ahead of Pakistan’s opening match at the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament against Bangladesh.

Solano described the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament as a valuable opportunity for squad cohesion ahead of the SAFF Championship. “We’re very pleased with the Pakistan Federation for accepting this tournament, and thank you to Maldives for inviting us to be part of this beautiful competition with good national teams, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh,” he said.

Captain Abdullah Iqbal echoed that sentiment. “It’s great fixtures for us to prepare for the SAFF Championship, which is coming up. Very pleased to be here,” he said.

Solano also spoke about the team’s longer-term ambitions, noting that qualification campaigns for the Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup remain the primary targets. “This year there are a lot of friendly competitions, and we’re looking forward to next year when qualifying begins again,” he added.

When asked about Pakistan’s period of FIFA suspension and the absence of a domestic professional league, Solano acknowledged the challenges but pointed to positive momentum under PFF President Mohsin Gilani.

“After suffering through the suspension period, Pakistan is starting to come good, moving toward better regulations. The next step, fingers crossed and hopefully sooner rather than later, is to be professional. There are a lot of young talents, great players in Pakistan who deserve it,” the coach said.

Solano stressed the importance of domestic competition for developing local talent. “It’s good to have strong competition, especially local competition, give young boys the opportunity to dream, to say, ‘One day I want to play professional football.’ Pakistan needs to give its own talent the opportunity, because not many can go abroad to play,” he said.

Solano highlighted the complementary role of diaspora players in strengthening the national team while domestic structures continue to develop. “We have the opportunity to have all the important experienced players, especially the diaspora players playing Pakistan football abroad, in Denmark, Sweden, and Europe. That gives another level to the national team,” he said.

The coach also noted that his squad has benefited from continuity. “I’ve been with the national team for nearly a year. We know each other. I hope this kind of tournament helps us get closer together,” he said.

Solano was measured about the opening match against Bangladesh, noting that the team is preparing despite reports that Bangladesh may be fielding a younger squad.

“Even the rumour that Bangladesh is sending a young generation of boys, it’s still the national team. Doesn’t matter. With all respect, we have to be professionals. We have to represent the country in the best way,” he said.

Abdullah reflected on Pakistan’s last meeting with Maldives in 2023, a 1-0 defeat, and was optimistic about the team’s progress. “In three years, a lot of things happen in football. It moves quickly. I think we’ve improved a lot in these last two, three years. We’re ready for tomorrow’s game,” he said.

Solano acknowledged that cricket remains the dominant sport in Pakistan, but said the national football team’s results are key to changing the landscape. “Football is slowly, slowly becoming very popular. The results we get with the senior team are very important to give people something to dream about,” he said. “Everything changes slowly, but we will get there. It takes a little patience,” he added.