PFF, FIFA join hands for women football development

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has finalised a comprehensive four-year roadmap, in coordination with FIFA, to develop and strengthen women’s football in Pakistan from the grassroots level to elite competition.

The ambitious plan seeks to transform women’s football into a sustainable, structured and competitive system, with district and regional championships to serve as the foundation for a proposed national women’s football league.

The roadmap places particular emphasis on grassroots talent identification, player development, regular competitive opportunities and the creation of a broader pathway for female players, coaches and match officials. The PFF believes the structured competition system will help identify promising talent from across the country and provide players with opportunities to progress to higher levels.

Speaking at a press conference alongside PFF CEO Shahid Khokhar and Head of Women’s Football Muzghan Orakzai, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said the federation was committed to establishing a strong and sustainable ecosystem for women’s football across Pakistan.

“This is not just about organising tournaments; it is about building a complete pathway for women’s football in Pakistan, from grassroots development and talent identification to elite competition and the national team,” Gilani said.

He said the four-year roadmap had been prepared with FIFA’s assistance and coordination, reflecting the federation’s long-term approach towards expanding the women’s game rather than relying on sporadic tournaments.

Under the proposed structure, district-level competitions will provide the initial platform for young players, with regional championships offering a higher level of competition before the best performers graduate to national-level football.

The PFF also aims to strengthen opportunities beyond playing, with greater emphasis on developing women coaches, referees and other technical officials. The initiative is expected to widen participation and create a more comprehensive support structure around the women’s game.

The federation sees the proposed national women’s football league as a key component of the roadmap, providing leading players with sustained high-level competition while creating a stronger pool of talent for Pakistan’s national teams.