Football returns to Pakistan with "National Challenge Football Cup"

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the launch of the National Challenge Football Cup as part of broader efforts to revive and strengthen domestic football.

The tournament will be held in Karachi from February 4, PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar said in an interview with City42 TV on Monday. 

Khokhar said the federation plans to organise two domestic football tournaments as part of its short-term roadmap, aimed at providing regular competitive opportunities for local players and departments.

He added that the PFF is also working on transforming the Pakistan Premier League into a fully professional football league, in line with international standards.

“The new PFF leadership is making concerted efforts for the promotion of domestic football,” Khokhar said, adding that the National Challenge Cup will feature top departmental football teams from across the country.