New Delhi: Pakistan football is in crisis again. Just when there was hope for progress, FIFA has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for the third time in eight years. This latest ban came after PFF members rejected FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) proposed constitutional changes. Without a quick resolution, Pakistan could be kicked out of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the development of both men’s and women’s football will suffer. The big question now is: Can Pakistan recover from this setback?
A pattern of problems
Compare the seriousness about getting the FIFA ban lifted in Congo vs Pakistan.
People going out of their way to make matters worse here and not think about players and the upcoming competitions.
In Congo they’re actively looking to get the ban lifted ASAP. pic.twitter.com/c1gmRf6Hwc
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) February 11, 2025
This is not the first time Pakistani football has faced such turmoil. Previous bans in 2017 and 2021 were also due to governance issues and internal conflicts. Even when Pakistan was allowed to compete, the lack of a proper league structure made it difficult for the national team to progress. The men’s team’s recent victory over Cambodia in the World Cup qualifiers was a rare high point, but without regular competition, such moments are few and far between.
Former head coach Stephen Constantine, who led Pakistan to that historic win, believes the root of the problem is clear. “You have to put personal interests aside and think about what’s best for Pakistan football,” he said. His frustration reflects the long-standing issues within the federation. FIFA’s demand for constitutional amendments is standard across national associations, yet Pakistan’s football authorities continue to resist change.
A tough road to recovery
Mission accomplished! This man deserves an award… for single-handedly ruining Pakistan football! Just ignore that little FIFA suspension in the background. It’s just part of the plan. pic.twitter.com/EI7wbXuDqK
— Zeeshan Shafi (@izeeshaan3) February 7, 2025
For Pakistan to bounce back, it must first resolve its internal conflicts and comply with FIFA’s requirements. If the ban isn’t lifted by 4 March, Pakistan will be out of the Asian Cup qualifiers, losing valuable competitive experience. The women’s team, set to enter their first-ever qualification campaign, will also see their progress stalled.
Recovering from this setback won’t be easy. Pakistan needs a stable football structure, not just high-profile visits from former stars like Michael Owen and Emile Heskey. Without proper leagues and development programmes, any momentum gained from international matches will fade.
The talent is there, and so is the passion. But this cycle of bans and setbacks will continue unless Pakistan’s football authorities work together and prioritise the sport over politics. The country can recover, but only if the right decisions are made now.
Pakistan football faces another FIFA ban, halting progress once again. With governance issues unresolved, the national team’s future is at risk. Can Pakistan recover, or will history keep repeating itself? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
