The Pakistan Football Federation and the Bahrain Football Association have formalised a new memorandum of understanding at the BFA headquarters in Riffa, establishing a broad football partnership focused on technical, administrative, women’s football and futsal development. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Syed Mohsin Gilani, with BFA Secretary-General Rashid Al-Zoubi in attendance.
The football partnership sets out a practical roadmap to support national teams and age‑group squads through joint training camps, friendly matches and talent development initiatives designed to prepare players for regional and international competitions. Emphasis on coordinated coaching programs and shared technical plans aims to raise performance standards across both federations.
Refereeing development and the strengthening of administrative and technical standards are central to the agreement. The two associations will run training courses, capacity‑building programs and specialised workshops, while also exchanging legal and regulatory expertise to improve governance and internal operations in line with international best practices.
A significant pillar of the football partnership is targeted support for the women’s game. Both federations committed to integrated development programs to increase participation, enhance technical standards and professionalise pathways for female players, coaches and officials. The MoU also highlights dedicated measures to grow futsal as a complementary discipline within the national football ecosystems.
On the sidelines of the signing, the presidents toured the National Sports Performance Center at the BFA headquarters, a facility developed with support from FIFA that features modern infrastructure and advanced technology to assist player, coach and staff development. Syed Mohsin Gilani praised Bahraini progress and said, “The signing of this memorandum marks a milestone in football cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain, laying a solid foundation for long-term collaboration in technical excellence, administration, grassroots development, women’s football and futsal, while strengthening ties between the two footballing nations.”
The agreement is expected to deepen bilateral ties and deliver practical benefits for Pakistani football through enhanced coaching, improved refereeing standards and expanded opportunities for women and futsal players, reflecting a shared regional commitment to the sport’s development.
