FIFA, the world football governing body, removed its ban on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The PFF was suspended in April 2021 as a result of the excessive third party influence, but on June 29, 2022, the FIFA Council Bureau voted to lift the ban.
According to a statement issued by the PFF Normalization Committee (NC), the FIFA has restored the PFF’s international membership and opened the doors of international competitions on the national teams and resumed football activities at the national level.
The choice was made after FIFA obtained proof that the PFF’s NC had regained complete control of the PFF’s facilities and was capable of handling the organization’s finances.
The PFF was also warned that any unwarranted intervention in its business or conduct that would obstruct the NC’s ability to carry out its mandate could result in the further suspension of the PFF and/or the application of other measures outlined in the FIFA Statutes.
The NC’s mission has also been extended by the Bureau until 30th June, 2023 at the latest because the original deadline for completing its work (June 30, 2022) is no longer feasible. As a result, it will be able to finally do the tasks that have been allocated to it. It may be recalled that the Ashfaq Group had taken over the football headquarters by ousting the NC.
The FIFA had taken stern action and suspended Pakistan’s international membership, which also halted football activities across the country. The national teams were denied entry to international competitions and official education courses. After a long struggle and sincere efforts of NC Chairman Haroon Malik and members, the charge of the FIFA House was handed back to the NC under the previous government’s orders.
Chairman NC Haroon Malik congratulated the nation and the football fraternity on the end of the PFF’s suspension and said that the hard work of the NC and the prayers of the football family were the key reasons behind the lifting of international suspension on Pakistan football.
Malik further said that according to the FIFA mandate, revival of football activity and holding the PFF elections in the country will be the first priority of the NC. “We will work harder and with more dedication to put Pakistan football on right track as the national footballers, who have a suffered a lot due to suspension of Pakistan, will be provided with more and better opportunities so that they may earn better bread and butter for their families, Malik added.
