PFF Press Release – 8 June 2026
- New domestic structure developed through consultation with all four provincial associations and regional associations
- PFF to help provincial and regional associations appoint professional General Secretaries
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has unveiled a comprehensive nationwide plan to revive domestic football through district championships, youth competitions, enhanced provincial and regional administration, and a series of grassroots development initiatives.
The roadmap, developed following a series of consultative meetings between the PFF, all four provincial associations, regional associations and football stakeholders across the country, was presented to the media by PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar and PFF Media Director Umaid Wasim.
Representatives of provincial and regional football associations joined the press conference virtually. Those who joined in included Mr Mohammad Azam Khan, Naveed Aslam Khan Lodhi (through his representative Mr Aniq Ahmed Lodhi), Jamil Ahmed Sadparah, Sheikh Ahmed Rehan, and Mr Imtiaz (representing GBFA).
Mr Umaid Wasim welcomed the media on behalf of the federation, and conveyed President Syed Mohsen Gilani’s congratulatory message on Pakistan’s historic run to a tournament final in Maldives.
Addressing the media, Mr Shahid Khokhar stressed that district football championships would form the foundation of Pakistan’s future football development system.
“Strong national teams are built on strong grassroots structures,” said Mr Khokhar. “District football is the foundation of the football pyramid. If we want to develop quality players for the future, we must ensure regular and organized football activity at district level. These championships will help identify talent, strengthen local football ecosystems and create clear pathways for players to progress through the system.”
As part of the plan, the PFF will launch District Football Championships (DFCs) across the country. This will help identify constitutionally valid clubs in Pakistan and eliminate ghost entities effectively. To support the competitions, the PFF will provide all possible support. The Pakistan Football Referees Association (PFRA) will compile an updated database of registered referees to facilitate the district football associations.
The federation also announced measures aimed at strengthening football administration at the provincial and regional levels through the appointment of dedicated General Secretaries. Under the framework approved during the consultation process, Provincial Football Associations and Regional Football Associations will submit a shortlist of three candidates for consideration. Interviews will then be conducted jointly by the PFF and the concerned association president before a final appointment is made. Funding for this initiative has been secured from FIFA and AFC by President Syed Mohsen Gilani.
Youth development also featured prominently in the federation’s plans, with preparations discussed for the National U-17 Championship, tentatively scheduled for September and October.
Under the proposed format, each Provincial Football Association will field two teams, while each Regional Football Association will enter one team. Eligible players must be born between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. Departmental players will also be eligible to participate.
The federation confirmed that participating teams will consist of 23 players and five officials, while all teams will be required to appoint safeguarding officers ahead of the competition as part of the PFF’s commitment to player welfare and safeguarding standards.
The National U-17 Championship is expected to be hosted in Islamabad, with team officials’ and players’ participation costs to be covered by the PFF. This will form the basis of team selection for AFC u-17 qualifiers later this year.
In his message, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said the initiative represented an important step towards building a sustainable football ecosystem across Pakistan by empowering football stakeholders at every level of the game.
“The future of football in Pakistan depends on strong structures, good governance and consistent football activity across the country. Through this initiative, we are working together with our provincial, regional and district stakeholders to build a system that will benefit players, clubs, coaches, referees and administrators for years to come,” he said.
President Gilani added: “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our domestic football is reorganized along robust, modern lines.”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.