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.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  In a historic and landmark decision, FIFA has officially authorized the Afghan women’s refugee football team to participate in international competitions.

The team, comprising players forced to flee their homeland approximately five years ago following the Taliban’s takeover, has been granted the eligibility to represent Afghanistan on the global stage.

During a recent council meeting in Vancouver, the FIFA Council approved a significant amendment to its statutes. Through this regulatory change, the body officially recognized the refugee squad, which plays under the name “Afghan Women United.”

Exercising its authority to handle exceptional circumstances, FIFA has registered the team, formally designating “Afghan Women United” as the official national women’s team of Afghanistan. FIFA confirmed that this marks the first time the team will compete as an official national entity.

While the team is unable to participate in the qualifying process for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, they have been cleared to compete in the qualifying rounds for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Expressing his support for the initiative, the FIFA President stated that the governing body is proud of the journey “Afghan Women United” has undertaken.

He further emphasized that this move is part of a broader commitment by FIFA to ensure that players, as well as member associations currently unable to register a national or representative team for official FIFA competitions, are provided with the necessary support and pathways—in collaboration with their respective confederations—to pursue their footballing aspirations.

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