Key points
- Focus on international-standard football stadiums
- Mini-pitches arriving in Islamabad, Lahore
- Domestic leagues planned, including women’s football
LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has set its sights on securing support from FIFA to develop international-standard football infrastructure in Pakistan, as part of broader efforts to revive the sport nationwide.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said the federation plans to approach FIFA for assistance in building football stadiums, rather than placing additional financial pressure on the government. He said the objective is to attract foreign investment and create sustainable facilities capable of hosting international matches.
Gilani revealed that two FIFA-funded mini-pitches have already arrived in Pakistan and will be installed in Islamabad and Lahore, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is also set to provide two training pitches. He acknowledged that Jinnah Stadium currently does not meet AFC standards and requires major investment to bring it up to international requirements.
Stadium development programme
Under its stadium development programme, the PFF aims to have FIFA construct its first dedicated football stadium in Pakistan, Gilani said, stressing that the absence of world-class venues has remained a key obstacle to hosting international fixtures.
Outlining future plans, he said the federation intends to organise district, provincial and national leagues, including a women’s league, and is working towards launching a domestic football league. However, he noted that infrastructure shortages and governance challenges have hindered progress in the past.
Gilani also said the PFF is collaborating with UN Youth and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to promote football as a tool for youth mental health. As part of grassroots development, the federation is launching a “Football for Schools” initiative to revive school-level football and identify young talent early.
