Mohsen Gilani Elected as PFF President with Simple Majority

KARACHI: After a six-year period of instability, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has successfully elected Mohsen Gilani as its new president. The election, held on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment for football governance in Pakistan.

In the decisive second round of voting, Mohsen Gilani, a former FIFA Development Officer, garnered 13 votes, achieving a simple majority. His main competitor, Taha Alizai from Karachi United Football Club, received 11 votes.

Gilani’s extensive background with FIFA includes significant contributions to numerous football development initiatives throughout the region. His experience is expected to bring valuable insights to the PFF.

Transition to Stability

This election signifies a crucial turning point for Pakistani football, which has been under the supervision of a FIFA Normalisation Committee since 2019 due to years of turmoil. The establishment of a permanent governing body indicates a move towards more consistent and independent leadership.

Challenges Ahead

The incoming leadership faces significant hurdles. Key priorities include revitalizing domestic football leagues, initiating the long-awaited franchise-based league, and enhancing the performance of national teams. These efforts are particularly vital as the qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 are currently in progress.

Postponement and Rescheduling

Earlier in May, the PFF postponed its Executive Committee elections, initially slated for May 20. This decision was made due to regional tensions and logistical challenges. The rescheduled election is now planned for May 27 in Lahore.

Reasons for Delay

According to a letter sent to Congress members on May 14 by Acting General Secretary Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, rising tensions between Pakistan and India significantly disrupted the travel arrangements for international observers from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Their presence was deemed crucial for ensuring the election’s transparency and credibility. These circumstances also led to logistical and administrative complications in organizing the PFF Extraordinary Congress.