Islamabad: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is once again facing the threat of a ban from FIFA due to a deadlock between the PFF Congress and FIFA over the merit of Presidential candidate of PFF . The impasse has delayed the elections further.
The Normalisation Committee, established by FIFA, has until February 15 to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, FIFA may impose a ban on Pakistan’s football body.The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination has formed a committee to resolve the issue. The committee, headed by MNA Anjam Aqeel Khan, includes Mehrin Razzaq Bhutto, Jamshed Dasti, Director General Pakistan Sports Board, and Deputy Director General Sports . The committee will submit its final report within a month.
Haroon Malik, Chairman of the PFF Normalisation Committee, briefed the committee that while the Normalisation Committee has taken all necessary steps, FIFA’s guidelines are hindering the election process. He stated that FIFA has directed the PFF to open up the presidency to merit-based elections and allow candidates from outside the Congress. However, the PFF Congress refuses to accept this demand.
In the previous Congress meeting, 16 members voted against FIFA’s guidelines. The majority of Congress members believe that only Congress members are eligible to contest the presidential election. The Chairman of the Standing Committee, Sanaullah MastiKhel, expressed concern over the situation and entrusted the formed committee with resolving the matter. He emphasized that Pakistan has immense football talent, and collective efforts are necessary to promote it.
The meeting was also briefed by MNA and former PFF Vice President Amir Dogar, and former Vice President Naved Hayat. The committee directed the Normalisation Committee to lift the ban on Amir Dogar and other individuals.
