LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) continued its diplomatic momentum at the 76th FIFA Congress, holding four more high-profile bilateral meetings with football leaders from Thailand, Guyana, Namibia, and Barbados.
In a meeting with FA Thailand President Nualphan Lamsam, the PFF delegation received an open invitation to visit Thailand at any level, with the Thai federation committing to host Pakistani teams and extend full facilities. The gesture was described as a reflection of the spirit of cooperation that has defined the PFF’s Vancouver programme.
Talks with Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde focused on coach education, referee development, and technical exchange programmes. Both federations identified concrete areas of shared interest, laying the groundwork for structured collaboration.
Discussions with Namibia Football Association President Robert Shimooshili centered on youth football, women’s football, and exchange programmes. The emphasis was on building long-term institutional ties to strengthen development pathways in both countries.
The PFF delegation also met Barbados Football Association President Randy Harris, who serves on the FIFA Council. Talks covered futsal development, referee education, and cooperation in men’s and women’s football, with both sides exploring avenues for future collaboration.
Led by PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, Vice-President Hafiz Zakaullah, and COO Shahid Niaz Khokhar, the meetings form part of a wider diplomatic effort to build bilateral partnerships that translate into tangible development opportunities for Pakistani football.
“By engaging federations across Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, the PFF is broadening its international footprint, ensuring Pakistan’s football ecosystem benefits from diverse expertise and global cooperation. These Vancouver meetings reinforce Pakistan’s ambition to integrate into the global football community and accelerate growth at every level of the game,” stated a PFF official.
