Islamabad (Sports Bulletin Report): Pakistan Football Federation president Syed Mohsen Gilani met FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the United Nations General Assembly Week in New York on Thursday, with several topics coming under discussion.
Most notably, Infantino was impressed by Gilani’s vision to develop football across Pakistan whilst also confirming that he will be travelling to Pakistan for the inauguration of the FIFA Arena.
Infantino appreciated the steps taken by Gilani since he was elected PFF chief 15 months ago and hailed the achievements of the Pakistan national teams during that time.
The FIFA president also stressed that the PFF should push for constitutional amendments to bring its statutes in line with FIFA and AFC.
Infantino reassured Gilani of FIFA’s full backing with the future of the game in Pakistan also coming under discussion. Continued collaboration between the global football body and the PFF was ensured as well as ways to provide the country’s youth with greater opportunities to play and experience the game.
As infrastructure development continues at an unprecedented pace, Infantino assured he will be visiting the country for the inauguration of the FIFA Arena. Gilani thanked Infantino and FIFA for their confidence and support, saying the backing of world football’s governing body would further strengthen the PFF’s efforts to develop the sport across Pakistan. He said his vision is to build a strong, inclusive and sustainable football structure, with particular emphasis on grassroots programmes, youth development, talent identification and creating international opportunities for young Pakistani players.
“Our aim is to take football to every corner of Pakistan, empower our youth and create a pathway through which talented players can represent Pakistan at the highest level,” Gilani said, reaffirming his commitment to working closely with FIFA and other stakeholders to promote and develop the sport.
Infantino also extended his best wishes to the PFF and Pakistan team for the ongoing FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, while looking ahead to the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.
