Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The newly elected Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been told to make important changes to its Constitution to meet FIFA rules and international standards, putting the federation under pressure to complete the required reforms.
The development came during the 14th meeting of the Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination, held at Parliament House under the acting chairmanship of Sheikh Aftab Ahmed.
The Director General of the Pakistan Football Federation briefed the committee about the federation’s current position and its recent election process.
The committee was told that the PFF elections had been held according to FIFA directions and the required procedure. A new body has been elected and is now working.
However, the federation still needs to amend its Constitution and administrative system to align them with FIFA requirements and international standards.
The newly elected PFF body is expected to ensure that FIFA’s directions are followed and the required changes are implemented.
The committee also raised concerns about the development of football at the grassroots level. Officials stressed that Pakistan needs to find young players early and provide them with proper training and facilities.
The committee said talent should not be searched only in major cities. Talent Hunt Programmes should reach schools, colleges, tehsils, districts and divisions across the country.
The committee said talented players from remote and less developed areas should also get a chance to advance and represent Pakistan in national and international competitions.
Sports secretaries from all provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, also briefed the committee about sports activities in their areas.
They informed the committee about sports development programmes, achievements in different games, Talent Hunt Programmes and funds provided by provincial governments.
The officials also detailed the money spent on players’ training, preparation, participation in competitions and athletes’ expenses. They also briefed the committee about ongoing development programmes under the Public Sector Development Programme and other schemes.
The committee said stronger action was needed to create a steady system for finding and developing talented athletes.
It stressed that provincial governments must work closely with the PFF and that better communication and cooperation between the federation and provinces are necessary for football development.
The committee also warned that sports should not be ignored and called for adequate funds based on actual needs.
It said available money must be used properly and transparently, especially for finding young talent, training athletes, coaching, improving sports facilities and helping players participate in national and international events.
The committee said a stronger system for developing young athletes could help Pakistan produce players capable of bringing success and pride to the country in the future.
