In a major boost for Pakistani football, FIFA has lifted its suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), reinstating the nation’s eligibility for international competitions.
The decision, announced tonight, follows weeks of constitutional reforms demanded by FIFA to resolve governance disputes and ensure transparent elections.
The PFF was suspended on February 6, 2025, after its Congress initially rejected amendments to its constitution, which FIFA deemed critical for “truly fair and democratic elections.”
This marked Pakistan’s third FIFA suspension since 2017, all linked to third-party interference and electoral irregularities. However, during an extraordinary Congress meeting in Lahore on February 27, the PFF unanimously ratified FIFA’s proposed changes, paving the way for the ban’s reversal.
The resolution comes just in time for Pakistan’s crucial qualifier against Syria on March 25. Earlier, the PFF had withdrawn from the tournament due to the ban, but FIFA’s swift action has reignited hopes.
Pakistan, ranked 198th globally, last competed in November 2024 during a World Cup qualifier defeat to Tajikistan.
FIFA’s normalization committee, installed in 2019 to oversee reforms, emphasized that the constitutional overhaul aligns PFF statutes with global standards, curbing political meddling. The AFC had set a March 4 deadline for the ban’s lifting to ensure Pakistan’s participation, a deadline now met.
While celebrations ensue, challenges remain. Pakistan’s football infrastructure, plagued by years of instability, requires urgent revitalization. The focus now shifts to organizing elections and preparing the national team for its upcoming qualifiers.
Stay tuned to ProSports.pk for updates on Pakistan’s AFC Asian Cup campaign and major football developments.
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