The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced that it plans to launch a new national football league, taking a major step toward rebuilding and strengthening the sport across the country. 

 

The federation invited organizations and investors to submit Expressions of Interest along with detailed proposals before the deadline of December 6, 2025. 

 

PFF said it aims to create a professional, competitive and sustainable league system that will support local talent and improve football standards nationwide. The federation will share information about the league structure, format and partner evaluation after the submission deadline.

 

 

The announcement comes during a period of renewed activity for Pakistan football. 

 

Earlier this month, the PFF formed a partnership with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to upgrade Pakistan’s football infrastructure. The collaboration includes plans for a national training facility, FIFA-funded mini-pitches across the country and a modern academy system to support youth development and professional coaching.

 

FIFA Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan on Thursday and pledged complete support to revive football after years of administrative setbacks. Al Khalifa, a senior official from Bahrain, said FIFA will work closely with the PFF to develop infrastructure and create opportunities for young players.

 

Al Khalifa said he felt optimistic about the future of football in Pakistan. “I think the last high profile FIFA visit was in 2017, but I think I’ve come at the right time,” he said during a press conference. “We have an elected body at the PFF, led by President Syed Gilani, and we also see strong support from the government.”

 

He said he did not want to focus on past conflicts and instead wanted to look ahead. “What matters is the present and what we can do. We have a clear roadmap, and we all believe Pakistan has huge potential in football. Since development remained at a standstill for so many years, it is time to start moving forward.”

 

Al Khalifa said FIFA and the AFC will help Pakistan rebuild facilities and restart programs that were affected during the suspension. “We are here to help. We want to find the right solutions for the challenges we face,” he said. He also added that bringing international experts to guide Pakistan’s football system is among FIFA’s top priorities.

 

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, thanked Al Khalifa for visiting and said the government aims to identify and train young athletes from all parts of the country. “Football has enormous potential in Pakistan,” he said. “Together with the PFF, we will identify talent, groom it and prepare stronger teams.”

 

He said the government is focusing on 23 sports and wants to develop athletes across all major disciplines. “Along with cricket, hockey and football, we are promoting gymnastics, athletics and other popular global sports,” he said.

 

FIFA has suspended the federation several times in recent years for third party interference, a violation that occurs when outside groups take control of a federation’s internal affairs.

 

FIFA imposed the most recent suspension in February 2025 when the PFF failed to adopt a FIFA approved constitution that would guarantee transparent elections. 

 

The ban ended a month later after the federation accepted the document and elected Syed Mohsen Gilani as the 17th president in May.