Pakistan football set for major overhaul
FIFA-AFC led reforms take centre stage in Pakistan setup
Baba Cargo Club crowned Lahore Champions
Special Correspondent
Pakistan football is finally heading toward long-awaited structural stability, with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) initiating a complete overhaul under the direct guidance of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani confirmed that international football bodies are now actively advising Pakistan on revamping governance, league operations, and the club ecosystem—marking the most significant reform drive in decades.
Gilani shared these developments while attending the final of the Lahore Football Championship, where Baba Cargo Football Club emerged as the new city champion after a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout win over Fame Sports Club.
League will launch only after meeting global standards
The PFF president stressed that Pakistan’s proposed national football league will not be a rushed or symbolic initiative. Instead, it will be rolled out only after the country’s football framework aligns with modern international standards, including club licensing, transparent administration, and professionally managed competitions.
“This league is being shaped with technical input from FIFA and AFC,” Gilani said. “We want a product Pakistan can be proud of—something that stands up to global football expectations, not a temporary tournament.”
He confirmed that consultations with both bodies are already in progress and are directly influencing the league’s design, competition format, and operational model.
Growing interest from investors
Gilani revealed that the official Letter of Intent (LOI) call has generated strong interest. Several potential partners—including corporate groups and professional operators—have contacted the federation about investing in the upcoming league.
“There is no shortage of people who want to bring business and structure into Pakistan football,” he said. “Our job is to make sure the system we hand over to them is clean, credible and future-proof.”
Revival of departmental football called ‘essential’
The PFF chief reiterated that Pakistan cannot build a sustainable football system without reinstating departmental teams—long regarded as the backbone of talent development and player employment.
“A player cannot train like a professional unless he has job security,” Gilani emphasized. “Departments are not optional; they are a necessity. We are urging the government and the Prime Minister’s Office to restore departmental sports as soon as possible.”
Negotiations with several departments are already underway, according to PFF Senior Vice President Hafiz Zaka, who confirmed that progress is expected in the coming weeks.
Lahore named the heartbeat of Pakistan Football
Highlighting the city’s central role, Gilani described Lahore as the engine of Pakistan’s football revival, praising the local community for keeping the sport alive through difficult years.
“You cannot rebuild football without Lahore. The city needs year-round activity—leagues, youth tournaments, club events—everything that keeps the grassroots strong,” he said, promising full PFF support for local development initiatives.
The PFF president also shared that the appointment of a new General Secretary is in its final stages, calling strong administrative leadership crucial for long-term continuity.
Baba Cargo FC crowned Lahore Champions after thrilling finale
The reforms discussion unfolded against the backdrop of intense on-field drama as Baba Cargo Football Club claimed the Lahore Football Championship title—an event returning after a 13-year gap and featuring 24 top clubs from the city.
The final, played under floodlights at the Model Town Ground, remained locked at 0–0 during regulation time, with both teams cancelling out each other’s attacks in a tense and tactical contest. Baba Cargo FC eventually prevailed 5–4 in the penalty shootout, earning roaring applause from the packed stands.
Individual Awards
- Best Goalkeeper: Owais
- Best Forward: Hamza
- Best Player of the Tournament: Zeeshan Shani
- Best Defender (Runner-up): Faizan
The awards were distributed by PFF President Gilani, who was joined by Senior Vice President Hafiz Zaka, Punjab FA President Naveed Aslam Lodhi, DFA Lahore President Zia Arif Dogar, executive members, and former NC member Shahid Khokhar.
Road ahead for Pakistan Football
Punjab FA chief Naveed Lodhi announced that the Punjab FA Congress will meet later this month, after which the provincial football calendar will be released. DFA Lahore President Zia Dogar congratulated the champions and pledged continued support for local clubs.
As Pakistan football steps into a new chapter, the combination of FIFA–AFC led structural reforms, revived competitions, investor interest, and renewed departmental engagement signals a transformative period—one that could finally set the country on a path toward professional, sustainable and internationally recognised football.
