![A high time to end Pakistan football crisis [TNS]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PFF-flag.jpg "A high time to end Pakistan football crisis [TNS]")
by Arsalan Shahzad
Pakistan’s football crisis has deepened as FIFA imposed yet another suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), once again jeopardising the country’s participation in international events.
The latest setback follows the PFF Congress’s rejection of proposed constitutional amendments in a virtual extraordinary meeting held on January 24 by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). As a direct consequence, Pakistan now faces a ban from global football.
February 6 marked another dark chapter in Pakistan’s football history as FIFA took decisive action to suspend the PFF for the third time. The suspension stems from a persistent deadlock between the PFF Congress and the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (NC).
PFF NC had earlier in its findings has recommended to the PFF Congress that that if its constitutional amendments, as per FIFA mandate, are accepted Pakistan football crisis may come to a end. However PFF Congress did pay heed to it and had rejected proposed constitutional amendments
Later on after the PFF Congress’s rejection FIFA in an official statement, FIFA confirmed the decision as: “PFF was suspended by FIFA following the refusal of the PFF Congress to accept the constitutional amendments proposed by the global football body ahead of the presidential election.”
The suspension has once again tarnished the image of Pakistan football due to continued political interference which has worsened the situation. One of the major concerns is FIFA’s suspension of financial support also which will significantly hinder the development of the sport in the country.
FIFA has made it clear that the ban will only be lifted once the PFF Congress approves the proposed amendments. The primary goal of these reforms is to expand the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates, ensuring a more inclusive and democratic electoral process.
“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, thereby fulfilling its obligations as mandated by FIFA as part of the ongoing normalisation process of the PFF,” FIFA stated.
As a result of the suspension, Pakistan has been forced to withdraw from international competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The AFC had warned that Pakistan would be considered withdrawn from the tournament if the suspension was not lifted by March 4.
Pakistan was set to play Syria in its opening Group ‘E’ match on March 25. However, due to the ongoing ban, the team has pulled out. In a surprising turn, the PFF NC has also announced that Pakistan will not participate in the final round of qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
FIFA statutes, particularly Article 13, along with AFC regulations, mean that the PFF has forfeited all its membership rights. As a result, Pakistani teams, clubs, and representatives are barred from international football until the suspension is lifted.
This is not the first time Pakistan has faced such action. The PFF was first suspended by FIFA in 2017 due to third-party interference, a ban that lasted five months.
A more severe suspension followed in 2021 when a faction of former PFF officials took over the federation’s headquarters, which had been under the control of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee. That situation lasted more than oner and a half year.
Former Pakistan head coach Stephen Constantine, under whose leadership the national team recorded a historic victory over Cambodia in October 2023 to reach the second round of World Cup qualification for the first time, has urged stakeholders to prioritise the future of Pakistan football over personal interests.
“What is best for Pakistan football? If you answer that question honestly, you will make the right decision. I don’t know if what FIFA is asking for is any different from any other association. FIFA is the governing body. You don’t have to like it, but if you want to play football, you have to adhere to it,” Constantine remarked in a recent interview.
To resolve the crisis, FIFA has extended the mandate of the PFF NC until July 31. Haroon Malik, who had been leading the committee, stepped down after completing the eighth extension deadline since its appointment.
FIFA has now appointed Saud Hashmi as the new chairman of the PFF NC, entrusting him with the responsibility of steering Pakistan football out of this crisis.
All eyes are now on Hashmi as he attempts to satisfy FIFA’s conditions, persuade Congress members to accept the constitutional amendments, and ensure that PFF elections take place.
Ultimately, the fate of Pakistan football lies in the hands of the PFF Congress-whether it continues its defiance or accepts FIFA’s reforms to lift the suspension and restore Pakistan’s place in international football.
In a latest decisive move to restore Pakistan’s status in international football, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has scheduled an Extraordinary Congress for February 27 in Lahore.
The meeting will focus on adopting necessary constitutional amendments to comply with FIFA directives, a crucial step toward lifting Pakistan’s current suspension from world football’s governing body.
arsalan.shahzad@thenews.com.pk