FIFA has imposed an immediate suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after its refusal to implement constitutional reforms designed to guarantee transparent and democratic elections.
In a statement on Thursday, FIFA confirmed the decision, stating: “The PFF has been suspended effective immediately due to its failure to approve necessary revisions to its constitution, which are essential to ensuring fair elections. This step is part of FIFA’s broader effort to normalise the federation’s governance.”
FIFA has made it clear that the suspension will remain in place until the PFF Congress officially endorses the revised constitution proposed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Earlier this week, Haaron Malik, head of the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee overseeing Pakistani football since 2019, cautioned the PFF Congress that failure to accept the proposed reforms could result in a ban.
In a letter to the Congress, Malik emphasized that while members claim they want to remain under FIFA’s umbrella, their reluctance to align with its governance standards and those of the AFC had led to a deadlock. “Despite multiple discussions, both in-person and virtual, FIFA has remained firm on the necessity of these constitutional changes,” he wrote.
A primary point of contention was an amendment concerning the presidential election process, which the PFF Congress rejected. Meanwhile, the current normalisation committee’s mandate is set to expire on February 15.