March 3 – FIFA has lifted Pakistan’s suspension after tweaks to the federation’s constitution.
On Sunday, FIFA said that Pakistan’s ban from the game has been lifted after the congress of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) last week accepted changes to article 38 of its constitution, which paves the way for presidential elections at the organisation.
In the circular, FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom said: “…based on the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 2 March 2025, the suspension of the PFF has been lifted with immediate effect.”
“In view of the above, all of the PFF’s membership rights, as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, have been reinstated with immediate effect. Consequently, the PFF’s representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. This also means that PFF members and officials may benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the PFF and/or its teams.”
Pakistani football has spent years on the sidelines of the global game because of mismanagement and constant infighting, but FIFA’s decision to lift the suspension will allow Pakistan to play in March’s qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Pakistanis will face Syria. Local media report that Stephen Constantine could be reappointed on an interim basis after which the PFF will seek to name a permanent manager.
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