Karachi: International football governing bodies FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have called for immediate reforms to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) constitution, stressing the need to align the country’s football governance framework with global standards.
According to Beyond Time News, officials from FIFA and the AFC delivered the message during the opening session of the Governance and Statutes Revision Workshop held on Sunday. The event brought together members of the PFF Congress to discuss key governance reforms and the future direction of football administration in Pakistan.
FIFA and AFC Emphasize Governance Reforms
The workshop marks a significant step toward updating the PFF constitution, which last underwent a comprehensive review in 2014.
Although authorities introduced limited amendments before the federation’s elections last year, FIFA and the AFC believe Pakistan football now requires broader structural reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term stability.
Speaking at the workshop, FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Rolf Tanner highlighted the importance of strong governance practices in football organizations.
He stressed that clear separation among the federation’s legislative, executive, and judicial branches is essential for maintaining checks and balances.
According to Tanner, an effective governance system reduces the risk of corruption and promotes greater institutional integrity.
Constitutional Changes Long Overdue
FIFA and AFC officials described the revision of the PFF constitution as an urgent priority.
They noted that both organizations had instructed the federation to review and update its statutes within a year of the elections.
Tanner said the workshop represents a crucial step toward completing that process.
He added that modern governance standards require football federations to operate with transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
The workshop also addressed several key issues, including conflict-of-interest policies, gender inclusion, and administrative competence.
PFF President Welcomes Reform Agenda
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed the initiative and acknowledged that constitutional reforms had remained pending for far too long.
He said many football federations around the world have modernized their structures while Pakistan’s framework has largely remained unchanged.
Gilani emphasized the need to move quickly and ensure that the long-awaited reforms finally become reality.
He expressed hope that the revised constitution would create a stronger foundation for the future growth of football in Pakistan.
Better Governance Linked to Sporting Success
FIFA officials also connected administrative reform with on-field performance.
Tanner argued that successful football development depends on strong governance and institutional stability.
He explained that federations cannot achieve sustained sporting progress without modern administrative systems.
According to him, the ultimate goal of governance reforms should be to create better opportunities for players, clubs, coaches, and football stakeholders across the country.
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AFC Warns Against Non-Compliance
AFC Development Officer Sonam Jigmi assured participants that the constitutional review process would remain transparent and inclusive.
He stressed the importance of consulting stakeholders throughout the reform process to ensure broad support for the proposed changes.
At the same time, Jigmi warned that member associations must comply with FIFA and AFC regulations.
He noted that federations that fail to meet their obligations risk losing certain rights and privileges associated with membership.
The AFC official encouraged the PFF to complete the reform process in a timely manner and strengthen its governance structure.
Focus on Long-Term Stability
The workshop is expected to continue discussions on governance standards, constitutional amendments, and institutional reforms in the coming days.
Football officials believe the proposed changes could help create a more transparent and efficient federation while supporting the long-term development of the sport in Pakistan.
With FIFA and the AFC closely monitoring the process, the constitutional review has become a critical milestone for Pakistan football’s future.
FAQs
Why are FIFA and the AFC calling for changes to the PFF constitution?
They want the Pakistan Football Federation to align its governance structure with international standards and improve transparency.
When was the PFF constitution last comprehensively revised?
The federation last carried out a major constitutional revision in 2014.
What issues are being discussed during the workshop?
Participants are reviewing governance reforms, conflict-of-interest rules, gender equality measures, and institutional accountability.
What did PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani say about the reforms?
He welcomed the initiative and said constitutional changes have been overdue for nearly a decade.
Why are governance reforms important for football development?
According to FIFA, strong governance creates stability, improves transparency, and supports long-term sporting success.
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