AFC President Sees Bright Future for Football in Pakistan

Football in Pakistan is finally turning a corner. During his three-day visit, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed optimism about the sport’s revival. He believes the country is ready to move forward after years of crisis and controversy.
Sheikh Salman, also FIFA’s senior vice-president, arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday night as a State Guest. On Wednesday, he met key government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Their discussions focused on rebuilding football structures, ensuring federation stability, and restarting the domestic league.

Commitment and Confidence from Leadership

After a full day of meetings, Sheikh Salman shared his excitement in an evening interview with Dawn. He said he felt confident that the government would invest in the game. According to him, “the only way forward is up.”
Reflecting on the past, he recalled the difficult period when Pakistan’s football faced turmoil. “In the last eight years, a lot has changed,” he said. “Let’s not forget that the Pakistan Football Federation faced a FIFA Normalisation Committee for seven years and was suspended three times. It wasn’t a good sign.”
However, with new leadership under Mohsen Gilani, there is renewed hope. Therefore, Sheikh Salman believes the focus should now be on growth, development, and stability. His visit marks a step toward restoring Pakistan’s presence on the Asian football stage.
As a result, fans and officials alike are optimistic that football in Pakistan is ready for a fresh start.