FIFA, AFC push for urgent PFF constitution reforms, warn against third-party interference

FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have called for urgent revisions to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Constitution, stressing that the country's football governing body must align its statutes with international standards while maintaining full independence from external influence, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.

The message was delivered during the opening day of a Governance and Statutes Revision Workshop organized by the PFF, where FIFA's Head of Member Associations Governance, Rolf Tanner, and AFC Senior Manager for the South Asia Unit, Sonam Jigmi, addressed members of the PFF Congress.

The two officials emphasized that third-party interference in football affairs is incompatible with FIFA and AFC regulations and reiterated the need to safeguard the autonomy of the federation.

The PFF Constitution was last comprehensively revised in 2014, although limited amendments were introduced ahead of the federation's elections last year, which were conducted under the supervision of FIFA's Normalisation Committee.

Addressing Congress members, Tanner said governance reforms were no longer optional and that constitutional changes were necessary to ensure the federation's long-term stability and sustainable development.

"The distinction of powers ensures effective checks and balances and significantly reduces the risk of corruption," Tanner said, highlighting the importance of separating the legislative, executive and judicial functions within the federation.

Workshop discussions focused on a range of governance issues, including conflict-of-interest regulations, transparency, institutional accountability, competence-based leadership and gender equality.

FIFA and AFC representatives argued that modern governance structures are essential for building a stronger and more credible football administration.

AFC official Sonam Jigmi assured participants that the constitutional review would be conducted through a transparent and inclusive consultation process.

However, he cautioned that failure to comply with FIFA and AFC regulations could carry significant consequences.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed the reform initiative, saying constitutional amendments had been delayed for more than a decade while football federations in other countries had moved ahead with governance modernization.