Why has FIFA suspended Pakistan Football Federation once again? Know how it will impact their game

In a major setback for Pakistan’s footballing community, FIFA has once again suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) with immediate effect. The decision, announced by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday, comes as a result of the PFF’s failure to adopt a revised version of its constitution, which FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had mandated as part of the federation’s ongoing normalization process.

FIFA’s official statement emphasised that the suspension was necessary to ensure fair and democratic governance within Pakistan’s football administration.

“The PFF has been suspended with immediate effect due to its failure to adopt a revision of the PFF Constitution that would ensure truly fair and democratic elections and thereby fulfil its obligations as mandated by FIFA as part of the ongoing normalisation process of PFF,” a statement from the Bureau of the FIFA Council read.

“The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC,” it added.

PFF’s troubled history with FIFA

This marks the third time that the Pakistan Football Federation has been suspended by FIFA since 2017, highlighting the persistent governance and administrative crises plaguing the organization, reflective of the country’s respect for democratic processes.

2017 Suspension: FIFA first suspended the PFF on 10 October 2017, citing third-party interference, which violated FIFA statutes. The ban was lifted on 13 March 2018, allowing Pakistan to compete in the 2018 Asian Games and the SAFF Championship.

2021 Suspension: On 27 March 2021, PFF’s office was forcefully taken over by a group led by former president Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah, leading to the cancellation of an ongoing women’s football championship. FIFA subsequently imposed an immediate suspension on 7 April 2021, due to external interference. The ban remained in place for over a year before being lifted on 29 June 2022.

What does this mean for Pakistan football?

The latest suspension is a significant blow to Pakistani football, as it prevents the national team and clubs from participating in international competitions, including FIFA and AFC tournaments. Additionally, the ban affects developmental programs, funding, and international collaborations, further hindering the sport’s progress in the country.