The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) will hold a presidential election after almost six years without one.
After vetting, the PFF’s FIFA-appointed normalisation committee released their final candidate list on Friday. Taha Alizai and Mohsin Gilani, long-time Pakistani footballers, and Haji Zakaullah, a rising Punjabi star, are in the running.
The election on May 20 ends the FIFA-mandated normalisation committee reign, which began in September 2019 after years of internal warfare and administrative disorder.
The future president would face challenges reviving domestic football, which has been neglected under the current regime. The new administration will also have to cope with long-standing efforts to build a franchise-style league, which has failed due to inconsistent management.
As the men’s squad competes for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying rights, giving national teams more development opportunities is crucial. Years of experience from Taha and Mohsin. Karachi United FC, Pakistan’s first professional football team, was created by Taha and former FIFA development officer Mohsin.
After NC leadership changes, they stopped supporting Zahir Shah in his power struggle with ex-president Faisal Saleh Hayat. Zahir was the frontrunner until last month’s 10-year suspension, clearing the way for Taha. Candidates need five PFF congress endorsements, 25 total.
