FIFA has announced the suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) following its failure to accept recommended changes to its constitution. The suspension, effective immediately, stems from the PFF congress’s refusal to adopt amendments intended to bring more fairness and democracy to the federation’s electoral process. These changes were proposed as part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to normalize governance within the PFF.

According to FIFA’s statement, the suspension will remain in place until the PFF Congress approves the revised constitution, which was presented by both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). These amendments were designed to ensure more transparent and democratic elections within the PFF.

This is not the first time the PFF has faced suspension. In April 2021, FIFA suspended the PFF due to third-party interference, a direct violation of FIFA’s statutes. However, the suspension was lifted in June 2022 after FIFA confirmed that the PFF’s Normalisation Committee had regained control over the federation’s operations and finances.

Despite these efforts, tensions between FIFA and the PFF have continued. The international football governing body has emphasized the need for constitutional reforms, particularly concerning the election process, to align with international standards. However, a majority of the newly elected PFF Congress members rejected these proposals, leading to the suspension.

As a result of the suspension, Pakistan’s football teams are now barred from competing in international events, and the PFF will also lose FIFA’s financial support. This setback follows a deadlock between FIFA and the PFF, as the latter’s leadership has failed to adopt changes that would improve governance and enhance Pakistan’s participation in global football.

Haroon Malik, Chairman of the PFF Normalisation Committee, confirmed the development while briefing Pakistan’s National Assembly’s standing committee. Malik highlighted that despite the setback, Pakistan’s football achievements, including advancing to the second round of the 2023 Olympic qualifiers, had been a source of pride. However, the ongoing constitutional issue continues to undermine the federation’s progress.