After years of uncertainty, division, and administrative paralysis, Pakistani football finally finds itself on the cusp of renewal. The recent election of Syed Mohsen Gilani as the 17th President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) marks a watershed moment—one that comes with both great hope and immense responsibility. Backed by international credibility and a renewed domestic mandate, the new PFF leadership must now confront a towering set of challenges to rebuild the sport from grassroots to global recognition.

A landmark transition

Mohsen Gilani's victory, secured by a narrow 13-11 vote against Taha Alizai of Karachi United FC in the second round of elections, is historic not merely for its result but for what it symbolizes: the return of democratic governance to the PFF after more than six tumultuous years. The electoral process, conducted under the supervision of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), was praised for its transparency, finally bringing to conclusion the long and often frustrating tenure of FIFA’s Normalisation Committee.

Gilani, a seasoned football administrator and former FIFA development officer, assumes office with a vision steeped in professionalism, inclusivity, and grassroots revival. His leadership is supported by three vice presidents—Naveed Aslam Lodhi, Hafiz Zakaullah, and Dr. Muhammad Ali—who each bring regional diversity and experience to the federation’s executive committee.

Global endorsement, local expectations.

The international football community responded with a chorus of congratulatory messages, reflecting both goodwill and expectations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed confidence in Gilani’s leadership. The Saudi Arabian and Chinese football federations also reached out with pledges of support and collaboration, signalling Pakistan’s growing reentry into the global football fraternity.

While this global recognition affirms the legitimacy of the new leadership, it also intensifies the pressure to perform. For far too long, Pakistan’s football potential has remained underutilized, not due to a lack of talent, but because of persistent misgovernance and infrastructural decay. The time for speeches and symbolism is over. The time for action is now.

Grassroots development: The foundation of the future

Among the most urgent tasks for the new leadership is the revival of grassroots football. Youth development is the bedrock of any successful footballing nation, yet in Pakistan, it has remained largely neglected. There is an urgent need to restart school-level and club-level competitions, introduce talent identification programs in rural areas, and invest in long-term youth academies. Only then can Pakistan build a consistent talent pipeline to feed its national teams.

The reactivation and institutional support of dormant clubs is equally critical. Pakistan’s club structure has been operating in the shadows, without proper funding, coaching education, or competitive exposure. The new PFF leadership must prioritize strengthening club licensing systems and creating regional leagues that eventually feed into a national framework.

Domestic
competitions and
a long-awaited
professional league

Pakistan’s absence from international football has been compounded by the lack of a robust domestic competition. Reviving traditional tournaments like the National Football Challenge Cup and the Pakistan Premier League is vital, but the real game-changer will be the launch of a franchise-style professional league. Long delayed due to administrative conflicts, this league could finally provide a commercial, competitive, and media-friendly structure that elevates the sport’s profile in the country.

A successful league would also encourage private investment, improve player wages, and attract foreign expertise—elements sorely missing from Pakistan’s football scene.

The infrastructure dilemma

Perhaps the most visible sign of Pakistan football’s neglect is its crumbling infrastructure. Despite receiving two FIFA-funded projects in Khanewal and Abbottabad, these facilities remain non-operational and in dire need of repair. The new leadership must urgently audit the status of all football infrastructure and push for swift renovations.

Moreover, Pakistan remains one of the few footballing nations without a dedicated, international-standard stadium. The construction of a national stadium —complete with training grounds, athlete housing, and media facilities—should be a priority. Such a venue would serve not only the national teams but also allow Pakistan to host international matches and tournaments, thereby boosting its regional presence.

National teams: A ranking rebirth

Currently languishing at the bottom of FIFA’s world rankings, the Pakistan national football team’s trajectory needs immediate correction. The goal of reaching the top 150 may seem modest, but it would be a significant milestone considering the current context. To do this, the PFF must ensure consistent coaching staff appointments, long-term training camps, and merit-based selection policies.

The current AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers and the U23 Asian Cup campaign offer a timely opportunity. Pakistan will face Myanmar, Iraq, Cambodia, and Oman in upcoming fixtures—results that could set the tone for future ambitions. Coach Stephen Constantine and his team need full backing and a professional environment in which the players can flourish.

Building a
footballing culture

Beyond logistics and administration, perhaps the most difficult task will be to foster a genuine football culture in a cricket-crazed nation. The goal should not be to replace cricket, but to elevate football to a comparable status where stadiums fill up, children dream of football careers, and fans wear national team jerseys with pride.

This cultural transformation will require strategic partnerships with media outlets, promotional campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and engaging fan experiences at matches. Schools, colleges, and communities must be drawn into the game through festivals, street football events, and localized tournaments.

Women’s football
and inclusivity

Women’s football in Pakistan has long been marginalised. Under Gilani’s leadership, inclusivity must be more than a buzzword. A dedicated strategy to promote women’s leagues, empower female coaches and referees, and ensure participation across provinces is crucial. The PFF should consider establishing a Women’s Football Directorate focused solely on the development of the women’s game.

The road ahead: Challenges and
opportunities

While the tasks before the new leadership are daunting, they are not insurmountable. The hard work of the Normalisation Committee has laid a foundation, and with unified executive leadership now in place, the time is ripe for execution.

Unity among stakeholders, transparency in governance, accountability in finances, and a relentless focus on footballing excellence must define this new era.

Pakistan has been a sleeping football giant for decades. If ever there was a chance to awaken it, this is it.