After years of uncertainty, elected PFF era begins amid hopes and challenges ahead | Sports

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After years of uncertainty, distribution, and administrative stroke, Pakistani football eventually finds itself in renewal. The recent election is a water shedding moment in Gilani’s 17th election as the 17th president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). It comes with a great hope and a lot of responsibility. Supporting international reputation and a new domestic mandate, the new PFF leadership will now have to compete with the challenges challenges to recognize sports globally.

A historical transfer

Mohsen Gilani’s victory, which was obtained by a narrow vote of 13-11 against Karachi United FC’s Taha al -Zai in the second round of elections, is not merely for the results but a sign: After six turbulent years, the return of democratic rule to the PFF. The FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) were praised for the transparency of the electoral process, eventually resulting in a long and often disappointing period of the usual FIFA committee.

Gilani, an experienced football administrator and former FIFA Development Officer, took office with a vision in professional skills, participation and lower level restoration. His leadership has been supported by three vice presidents.

Global verification, local expectations.

The International Football community responded with a course of congratulatory messages, which reflects both goodwill and expectations. FIFA President Giani Infantino and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al -Khalifa expressed confidence in Gilani’s leadership. Saudi Arabia and Chinese football federations also reached with the promises of support and cooperation, indicating the growing restoration of Pakistan’s global football brother.

Although this global identity confirms the justification for the new leadership, it also accelerates the pressure to perform. For a long time, Pakistan’s football capacity is less skilled, not due to lack of abilities, but also due to permanent misunderstanding and infrastructure. The time for speeches and symbols is over. The time to take action is now.

Grass Roots Development: Future Foundation

The most important tasks for the new leadership are the restoration of lower level football. Youth Development is the bedrock of any successful footballing nation, yet in Pakistan, it has been widely ignored. There is a dire need to resume school level and club level competitions, introduce talent identification programs in rural areas and invest in long -term youth academies. Only then can Pakistan create a permanent talent pipeline to feed its national teams.

The re -dynamic and institutional support of the inactive clubs is equally important. Pakistan’s club structure is operating in the shadow without proper financial support, coaching education, or competitive exhibition. The new PFF leadership should prefer to strengthen the club licensing system and create a regional league that eventually eaten in the national framework.

Professional league with domestic competitions and long wait

Pakistan’s absence from international football has increased due to a lack of strong domestic competition. Restoration of traditional tournaments like the National Football Challenge Cup and the Pakistan Premier League is essential, but the real game changer will begin the franchise -style professional league. Due to administrative disputes, the league can eventually provide a commercial, competitive and media -friendly structure that raises the game’s profile in the country.

A successful league will also encourage private investment, improve the wages of the players, and attract foreign skills – who are less missing from Pakistan’s football scene.

Infrastructure

Perhaps the most prominent sign of Pakistan football neglect is its fall infrastructure. Despite receiving two projects with FIFA financial support in Khanewal and Abbottabad, these facilities are in dire need of non -operational and repair. The new leadership should immediately audit the status of all football infrastructure and emphasize sharp renovation.

Moreover, Pakistan is one of some of the few dedicated, international standard stadium football countries. Construction of a national stadium – full with training fields, athletes housing, and media facilities – will be a priority. Such a place will not only serve national teams but also allow Pakistan to host international matches and tournaments, and thus increases its regional presence.

National Teams: A Ranking Revelation Birth

Currently, FIFA is living at the bottom of the global ranking, the pace of the Pakistan National Football Team needs to be improved immediately. The goal of reaching the top 150 may seem minor, but it will be an important milestone considering the current context. To do this, ensure the PFF’s permanent coaching appointments, long -term training camps, and merit -based choices.

The current AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and the U23 Asian Cup campaign provide a timely opportunity. Pakistan will face Myanmar, Iraq, Cambodia and Oman in the upcoming fixtures. Coach Stephen Constantine and his team need a full backing and a professional environment in which players can flourish.

Build a culture of football

Beyond logistics and administration, the most difficult task will be to promote the true culture of football in a cricket -filled nation. The purpose should not be changed to cricket, but should raise football as comparative, where the stadium fills, children dream of football career, and fans proudly wear the national team’s jersey.

This cultural change will require strategic partnerships, media outlets, promotional campaigns, celebrities verification, and joining fans’ experiences in matches. Schools, colleges and communities should be attracted to the game through festivals, street football programs and local tournaments.

Women’s football and joining

Women’s football in Pakistan has long been backward. Under Gilani, joining should be more than a buzzer. A dedicated strategy is essential to promote women’s leagues, empower women coaches and referees and ensure participation in the provinces. The PFF should focus on the development of women’s sports.

The road forward: challenges and opportunities

Although the works before the new leadership are disturbing, they are not unacceptable. The hard work of the Normalization Committee has laid the foundation, and now with the united executive leadership, the execution time is appropriate.

The focus of the unity among stakeholders, transparency in governance, accountability in financial matters, and the virtue of footballing should explain this new era.

Pakistan is a sleeping football giant for decades. Here is if he ever had the opportunity to awaken.