PFF eyes FIFA investment for international-standard stadiums in Pakistan

PFF eyes FIFA investment for international-standard stadiums in Pakistan

PFF president also seeks PCB expertise to revive Pakistani football

LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has turned its focus toward FIFA to promote football and develop top-tier infrastructure in the country.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said that before approaching the government regarding football stadiums, the PFF will look to FIFA for infrastructure support. He emphasised that instead of burdening the government, the PFF aims to bring foreign investment into the country for this purpose.

Mohsen Gilani shared that two mini-pitches have already arrived in Pakistan and will be installed in Islamabad and Lahore, while the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) will also provide two training pitches.

He noted that Jinnah Stadium does not currently meet AFC regulations. Significant funds are required to upgrade it, and even after repeated expenditures, it barely meets international standards.

The PFF President added that under the stadium construction program, the PFF will strive to have FIFA build its first dedicated stadium in Pakistan, noting that without international-standard stadiums, hosting matches remains a challenge.

Regarding future plans, Gilani mentioned that the PFF intends to organise district, provincial, and national leagues, including a women’s league. He expressed a desire to launch a domestic football league and mentioned that several individuals, including Ali Tareen, have already given presentations on the matter.

He further explained that while they aim to emulate the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a football league, Pakistan faces a severe lack of infrastructure, limited resources, and a shortage of dedicated stadiums. The PFF chief admitted that domestic football had been neglected for years due to a crisis in football governance, but the duration of the upcoming league will be decided based on available facilities.

President Gilani also announced that UN Youth, the PFF, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program are collaborating to use football as a tool for youth mental health. Additionally, they are launching the “Football for Schools” program to scout talent from schools before they even reach the club level.

Continuing his remarks, Gilani said the PFF would revive school football and distribute over a thousand footballs to schools. He highlighted that FIFA is launching a program to build new stadiums in countries where such infrastructure is lacking.

Mohsen Gilani also praised the PCB as a successful institution and sought expert advice from PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi for the betterment and development of the PFF. According to Gilani, Mohsin Naqvi responded positively and assured his support in making football successful in Pakistan. He concluded by saying that football and cricket are Pakistan’s two biggest sports and expressed a desire for the PCB and PFF to work together to uplift both the games.