KARACHI — After years of turbulence and uncertainty, Pakistani football has a new leader at the helm. Mohsen Gilani, a seasoned football administrator and former FIFA Development Officer, has been elected as the 17th president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s troubled national journey.

Gilani secured victory in the second round of voting, receiving 13 out of 24 votes from the PFF Congress. His closest rival, Taha Alizai of Karachi United Football Club, garnered 11 votes. With this narrow but decisive majority, Gilani takes over a federation long mired in political infighting, administrative gridlock, and FIFA interventions.

From FIFA Insider to National Leader

Gilani’s credentials make him a compelling choice for a role many have struggled to manage. His background with FIFA — where he helped implement regional development programs — gives him both international insight and operational expertise, crucial for reviving a sport that has been sidelined domestically for over a decade.

His election also represents a rare moment of consensus in a fractured footballing landscape. With the vote finally concluding after years of court cases, government interference, and repeated normalization committees installed by FIFA, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic that Pakistan’s football governance can move beyond crisis management.

A Federation in Recovery

For more than ten years, the PFF has been in disarray, plagued by leadership disputes, suspended elections, and conflicts that often escalated into courtroom battles. The frequent inability of the PFF to function as an autonomous body prompted FIFA to suspend Pakistan multiple times and appoint three separate normalization committees since 2019.

The consequences of this instability have been dire: a stalled domestic football scene, neglected infrastructure, and a national team that has struggled to even participate in qualifiers for major tournaments. The country’s absence from the AFC and FIFA calendars became symbolic of the federation’s dysfunction.

Gilani’s arrival could signal the end of this dark chapter — but the road ahead is far from easy.

Immediate Challenges Ahead

The new president will have to act swiftly. The domestic league system requires a complete overhaul, and the long-promised launch of a franchise-style league — expected to rejuvenate interest and attract sponsors — remains pending. These initiatives will need not only funding but also trust-building with clubs, players, and regional associations who have grown disillusioned over the years.

Additionally, Pakistan is currently involved in the qualification process for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Ensuring proper support and preparation for the national team during this crucial window will be an early test of Gilani’s leadership.

Election Delays and Regional Tensions

This leadership transition almost didn’t happen. Earlier this month, the PFF was forced to postpone its Executive Committee elections scheduled for May 20 due to escalating regional tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India. A letter sent by Acting General Secretary Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar cited these tensions as disrupting travel plans for key FIFA and AFC observers, whose presence was necessary to maintain transparency in the election.

Despite the delay, the eventual successful conduct of the elections, under international scrutiny, offers a rare moment of procedural legitimacy for the PFF — a foundation Gilani will need to build on quickly.

Hope, with Caution

For football fans and players across Pakistan, Gilani’s victory offers a glimmer of hope. Yet years of dashed expectations have taught stakeholders to be cautious. Whether Gilani can translate administrative experience into tangible progress — improved facilities, consistent league play, and competitive national teams — remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: after years of leadership limbo, Pakistani football finally has a permanent figure at the top. Now, the game begins to reclaim its future.