FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan Football Federation after constitutional amendments
1. Reinstatement means PFF’s membership rights, as outlined in FIFA Statutes, have been fully restored
FIFA Lifts Suspension on Pakistan Football Federation
KARACHI – FIFA has officially lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the PFF Congress approved constitutional amendments mandated by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), officials confirmed on Sunday.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, restores Pakistan’s eligibility to participate in international football. FIFA has notified its member associations and the PFF, with an official announcement expected on Monday (today).
Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalisation Committee, confirmed the development to The News, stating:
"The suspension has been lifted following the successful outcome of the PFF Extraordinary Congress on February 27. We thank FIFA and AFC for their continued support of Pakistan football and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan football community."
A FIFA source revealed that the ban was removed after the PFF Congress approved a revised version of the federation’s constitution, which was validated by both FIFA and AFC.
"The requirement set by the FIFA Council in its February 6 decision has now been fulfilled," the source said. "As a result, FIFA decided on March 2 to lift the suspension of PFF with immediate effect."
With this reinstatement, PFF’s membership rights under FIFA Statutes have been fully restored, allowing Pakistan’s national and club teams to re-enter international competitions.
FIFA had initially suspended Pakistan last month after PFF Congress members rejected the proposed constitutional amendments, which aimed to ensure a transparent election process. However, following a follow-up meeting on February 27, the Congress approved the necessary changes, leading to the lifting of the ban.
This development now enables Pakistan to participate in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. PFF had previously stated that the suspension prevented them from taking part, but with the ban now lifted, they must swiftly prepare for their upcoming match against Syria later this month.
