WEBDESK: The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has officially lifted the ban on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), allowing the country to return to international football.
The suspension was removed after the PFF Congress approved amendments to its constitution that were endorsed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The decision, announced on March 2, 2025, restores Pakistan’s membership rights, enabling its teams and representatives to participate in global tournaments.
Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF Normalisation Committee, confirmed the news, saying that the decision followed the successful outcome of PFF’s Congress on February 27.
He thanked FIFA and AFC for their continued support and congratulated the Pakistani football community.
FIFA had initially suspended the Pakistan Football Federation last month after its Congress members refused amendments aimed at ensuring a transparent electoral process. However, in a follow-up meeting, the Congress approved the changes, meeting FIFA’s conditions for reinstatement.
With the ban lifted, Pakistan is now eligible to compete in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Pakistan Football Federation previously announced its inability to participate due to the suspension. Now, with its status restored, Pakistan must make urgent preparations for its upcoming match against Syria later this month.
This development marks a significant moment for Pakistani football, offering a fresh opportunity to strengthen its presence on the international stage.
