PFF Postpones Executive Committee Elections

LAHORE: Citing ongoing regional tensions and logistical hurdles, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has postponed its Executive Committee elections. These elections were initially scheduled for May 20.

The elections have been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 27, and will still be held in Lahore, which is confirmed as the venue for the Extraordinary Congress.

The announcement was formally communicated to Congress members on May 14 via a letter from Acting General Secretary Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar.

The letter indicated that heightened tensions between Pakistan and India have disrupted travel arrangements for crucial international observers from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Their presence is considered essential for ensuring openness and reliability during the electoral process.

“These unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances have also caused logistical and administrative challenges that have affected the organisation and coordination of the PFF Extraordinary Congress,” the letter explained.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Pakistani football. Following almost six years without an elected governing body, after FIFA established a Normalisation Committee in 2019, the PFF is now preparing to transition to a permanent leadership structure.

The candidates competing for the PFF presidency include Syed Mohsen Gilani, Taha Alizai, and Haji Zakaullah.

Gilani, a previous FIFA development officer, along with Alizai, the founder of Karachi United FC, are recognized figures within Pakistan’s football community. Zakaullah, a newer candidate, is reportedly garnering significant backing from Punjab.

The exclusion of Zahir Shah, who was initially seen as a leading candidate, after a 10-year ban, has greatly altered the dynamics of the election.

The incoming administration will be tasked with several key responsibilities, such as revitalizing domestic competitions, initiating the long-awaited franchise-based league, and enhancing the performance of national teams, particularly as the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers are in progress.