Former football captain to run for PFF President

Former Pakistan football captain Kaleemullah has decided to run for the presidency of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). 

He has played for Pakistan for years and competed in leagues around the world, including the United States.

Kaleemullah is seen as a strong candidate and has started gathering support to become the first international footballer to lead PFF. His football career was cut short due to internal conflicts in Pakistan’s football, but he remains well-connected in political, military, and football circles.

He led Pakistan to a historic series win against India in 2014 and is the nephew of Balochistan Assembly Speaker Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai. He has also organized football events, including one in Karachi, with support from PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto.

Another strong candidate for the presidency is Syed Zahir Shah, a politician and newly elected member of the PFF Congress.

Meanwhile, changes are happening in the PFF Normalization Committee. Chairman Haroon Malik is stepping down on February 15, and FIFA has appointed Saud Hashmi as his replacement. Saud has been part of the committee from the beginning and is expected to oversee fair elections.

FIFA recently suspended PFF, but the ban may be lifted as soon as the newly elected PFF Congress prepares to approve proposed amendments.