Key points
- Mohsin Naqvi meets FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan Football Federation
- Pakistan cleared to play international football again
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a “productive and amicable” meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during which the vast potential of sport in Pakistan was discussed, particularly the rising popularity of football alongside the nation’s passion for cricket.
Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s abundant sporting talent and the growing enthusiasm for football across the country. He also formally invited Infantino to visit Pakistan—an invitation the FIFA President warmly accepted.
“Had an excellent meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. We discussed the immense potential of sport in Pakistan—especially the increasing popularity of football alongside cricket. Extended a warm invitation for him to visit Pakistan, which he graciously accepted and promised to undertake very soon,” Naqvi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Washington DC : Had an excellent meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. We discussed the immense potential of sports in Pakistan — especially the growing popularity of football following cricket. Extended a warm invitation to visit Pakistan, which he graciously accepted… pic.twitter.com/DB8p6yJZF8
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) June 20, 2025
This positive development follows a major milestone for the future of football in Pakistan.
Pakistan Football Federation
FIFA recently lifted its suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the PFF Congress unanimously approved a series of constitutional amendments.
According to FIFA, the suspension was officially lifted on 2 March 2025, following the Congress’s ratification of a revised constitution that aligns with FIFA’s governance principles.
Eligible to compete
Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalisation Committee, confirmed the decision, stating that Pakistan is now eligible to compete in international football tournaments.
The suspension had originally been imposed on 6 February 2025, due to the PFF’s refusal to adopt key amendments concerning the federation’s electoral process.
Although there was initial resistance from the newly elected PFF Congress, the body eventually agreed to the reforms put forward by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), clearing the way for the federation’s reinstatement.
