Football redefining country’s sporting identity [The News]

LAHORE: Amid Pakistan’s traditional obsession with cricket, the sport of football is undergoing a historic transformation, breaking records and redefining the country’s sporting identity.

At the heart of this revolution is Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsin Gillani, whose visionary leadership and direct ties with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have propelled Pakistan football into a new era.

For decades, football in Pakistan was plagued by isolation, lack of resources, and administrative crises. Gillani’s approach—dubbed “FIFA Diplomacy”—has changed that narrative. By establishing robust personal relations with FIFA and AFC leadership, he has secured unprecedented international support, enabling Pakistan to achieve milestones once considered impossible.

In the past two years, Pakistan’s national teams have shattered decades of stagnation. The men’s team won the Diamond Jubilee Tournament in the Maldives, clinching the country’s first-ever FIFA-recognized international title in 74 years. They also made history by qualifying for the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, while the women’s team delivered a record-breaking performance in the FIFA Series 2026, climbing significantly in global rankings.

At the youth level, the U-19 and U-16 squads secured victories in AFC and SAFF tournaments, while the national futsal team debuted in global competitions in Riyadh and Thailand.

PFF chief’s diplomacy also restored Pakistan’s international prestige, highlighted by the historic visit of Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, FIFA Senior Vice President and AFC President. Joint workshops aligned the PFF constitution with FIFA statutes, frozen bank accounts were restored, and financial transparency was ensured. Operational autonomy was achieved by blocking third-party interference in football affairs.

Strategic agreements with football powerhouses including Argentina, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China are now providing Pakistani players with world-class training. A landmark partnership with La Liga for youth development and local league promotion is nearing completion.

Women’s football has also been revitalized through FIFA grants, the establishment of an independent Women’s Football Department, and the hosting of Pakistan’s first National Women’s Football Symposium. Grassroots initiatives like the Football for Schools program have distributed over 150,000 footballs nationwide, training teachers to coach modern techniques.

The most revolutionary aspect of Gillani’s roadmap is the blueprint for Pakistan’s first official Men’s Professional Football League, featuring eight franchise teams. This league is expected to transform football into a self-sustaining industry, creating permanent employment for hundreds of players while boosting stadium infrastructure and FIFA Forward Mini-Pitch construction across the country.

Published in The News, 11 July 2026