ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation has initiated a comprehensive process of constitutional amendments following directives from FIFA, which has termed the reforms indispensable for bringing Pakistan football governance in line with modern international standards.
The decision follows a two-day consultative meeting between FIFA’s Head of Member Associations Governance, Rolf Tanner, and PFF Congress members as well as key football stakeholders in the country. Addressing the media after the meetings, Tanner stressed the urgent need for governance reforms, saying Pakistan football must adapt to evolving international requirements.
“Pakistan football must be brought into line with modern requirements,” Tanner said, adding that constitutional amendments were essential to strengthen governance structures and ensure harmony with FIFA regulations.
He noted that the PFF constitution has not undergone significant changes since 2013, leaving the federation lagging behind many other FIFA member associations that have already implemented modern governance reforms. “Immediate reforms are essential in the Pakistan Football Federation to meet FIFA requirements. The football world is changing rapidly and Pakistan must move in the right direction,” Tanner remarked. “Hopefully, the necessary amendments will be approved soon to align Pakistan football with international standards.” Tanner also emphasized FIFA’s firm stance against external influence in football administration. “No third-party interference will be tolerated in PFF affairs,” he stated. The FIFA official said the proposed amendments would enhance transparency, strengthen institutional governance and provide broader representation to stakeholders, including women, within the federation’s decision-making framework.
“Amendments to the constitution will empower stakeholders and help create a stronger football structure. We want Pakistan to meet FIFA standards and continue progressing as a respected member of the global football community,” he added. Commenting on the financial affairs of the federation, Tanner revealed that the relevant FIFA committee was examining matters related to PFF finances, while reiterating that separate FIFA department conducts the audit.
PFF President Mohsen Gilani welcomed FIFA’s recommendations and said the federation was committed to implementing the required changes at the earliest opportunity. “We have to implement FIFA’s instructions. One of the important reforms is the inclusion of women representatives in the Congress. Soon the reforms amendments will be circulated among the members for their suggestions,” Gilani said.
He warned that failure to keep pace with international developments could leave Pakistan football further behind. “FIFA wants reforms aimed at improving football governance in Pakistan. Almost all member associations have already adopted these changes, while Pakistan has remained behind,” he said. Gilani clarified that the proposed amendments were not designed to increase presidential powers, but rather to create a more inclusive and representative structure.
“I have not increased my powers in the new amendments. My objective is to see Pakistan football develop rapidly through a stronger and more effective governance framework,” he said. The PFF president also confirmed that the federation had formally requested FIFA to initiate the audit process of the former Normalization Committee and had sent a reminder regarding the matter.
“It is FIFA’s responsibility to conduct the audit because all funding for the Normalization Committee came directly from FIFA,” he explained. Highlighting recent progress, Gilani said Pakistan’s national teams were regularly participating in international competitions while the federation continued to focus on grassroots and domestic football development despite limited financial resources.
“Pakistan receives limited funding from FIFA, but we are making every possible effort to develop the game. All stakeholders must play their role in promoting football across the country,” he said.
