Gilani and Infantino Discuss Football Advancement, Women’s Participation, and Pakistan Visit

MIAMI: In a major stride towards elevating football in Pakistan, the newly appointed President of the Pakistan Football Federation, Syed Mohsen Gilani, engaged in discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA Executive Football Summit 2025 held in Miami.

The meeting, which occurred alongside the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, represents a crucial moment for Pakistani football. FIFA has pledged assistance for the nation’s return to the international football scene.

Discussions between Gilani and Infantino centered on vital development areas, including governance improvements, growth in women’s football, youth involvement through FIFA’s Football for Schools initiative, and a prospective visit by the FIFA President to Pakistan.

Infantino voiced confidence in the resurgence of Pakistani football following previous administrative difficulties.

“I was delighted to meet with the new President of the Pakistan Football Federation to learn about his strategies for football development and how FIFA can sustain its backing for the sport within the country,” Infantino stated.

The FIFA president highlighted the importance of this meeting, which transpired shortly after Gilani’s election in May 2025. This marked the PFF’s first presidential election since 2015.

Gilani acknowledged the challenges in Pakistani football’s recent history but expressed optimism regarding future partnerships with FIFA.

“Our federation has undergone some challenging times, and we have been without an election for a while. However, we are present now and determined to develop football collaboratively with FIFA,” Gilani commented.

He described the meeting as fruitful, noting that they addressed priority areas for the advancement of Pakistani football.

This meeting occurs as Pakistan’s national teams demonstrate indications of advancement.

The men’s team achieved a historic milestone in October 2023 by securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifier victory. They won 1-0 against Cambodia in Islamabad, maintaining their chances for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The women’s team has entered the qualifying rounds for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time. Their inaugural match is slated for June 29 against Chinese Taipei.

Infantino emphasized Pakistan’s opportunity to participate in further international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA Series, a new tournament designed to offer emerging football nations greater competitive exposure.

“We addressed pivotal subjects, such as the expansion of women’s football and the potential participation of the men’s team in the upcoming FIFA Series,” Infantino added.

FIFA’s support goes beyond competitive matches. The PFF has been invited to participate in the FIFA Football for Schools program, promoting grassroots development by engaging young players through school-based initiatives.

Infantino accepted an official invitation to visit Pakistan, with plans to finalize the timing in coordination with the PFF.

A PFF official affirmed FIFA’s dedication to assisting Pakistan’s football development.

“Gianni Infantino expressed his aspiration to elevate Pakistan’s football with the new PFF in place following some difficult periods,” the official mentioned. “He encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate with the new federation and FIFA.”

The FIFA president commended the newly elected PFF head.

“President Gilani brings considerable experience and football management expertise to the role, and I anticipate witnessing positive strides in our game under his guidance,” Infantino stated.

The meeting also involved an exchange of symbolic gifts. Gilani presented Infantino with a traditional ajrak scarf, a cultural symbol of honor and friendship from Pakistan’s Sindh province.

“It symbolizes a lasting and excellent friendship,” Gilani remarked regarding the gift.

These discussions follow years of instability in Pakistani football. Since 2019, the PFF had been under the governance of a FIFA-appointed normalization committee due to leadership disputes.

The committee oversaw the ratification of a new constitution in February 2025 and the subsequent elections that led to Gilani’s appointment.

Despite the recent advancements, significant challenges remain for football in Pakistan, including infrastructure deficiencies, financial limitations, and the necessity to rebuild confidence among stakeholders after prolonged disagreements.

Nonetheless, with FIFA’s support and a newly elected leadership, there is renewed optimism for the sport’s prospects in the country.

Infantino’s anticipated visit to Pakistan could further boost development initiatives, potentially leading to additional support programs and global partnerships.

Currently, the focus is on enacting governance reforms, broadening participation across all tiers, and capitalizing on the recent accomplishments of the national teams.

The meeting in Miami signifies a crucial juncture in Pakistan’s efforts to move past its problematic recent history and establish itself as an emerging presence in Asian football.

With FIFA’s backing and new leadership established, stakeholders are hopeful that this marks the start of sustained progress for football in Pakistan.