In the near future, FIFA is expected to lift the ban imposed on the Pakistan Football Federation.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s football crisis may finally be over, with FIFA’s Normalization Committee regaining control of the Pakistan Football Federation’s headquarters, the FIFA House.
This step would also pave the way for FIFA to overturn the Pakistan Football Federation’s ban imposed last year.
Haroon Malik, head of FIFA’s Normalization Committee, stated on Twitter that the NC has reclaimed control of Football House.
“Congratulations on the return of Football House to the football family. The FIFA NC recognises and applauds Dr. Fehmida Mirza’s efforts to accomplish this historic milestone. We appreciate the support of the whole football family. It is now time for us to go ahead together, “he said.
“I would like to convey my personal appreciation to the NC members—Shahid Khokhar, Haris Azmat, and Saud Hashimi—for their unwavering and unflinching efforts in the face of hardship. I am really proud of you. We are grateful to FIFA for their continuous support and efforts. “
“Onwards! Prepare yourselves, everyone — it’s time for kick-off. ” Haroon said in a series of Saturday morning Tweets.
Ashfaq Hussain and co. took over the PFF headquarters in March of last year. The group won the PFF elections in 2018 on a court-ordered basis but was not recognised by FIFA.
They had deposed FIFA’s designated Normalisation Committee in an alleged “hostile takeover” that also resulted in Pakistan’s FIFA ban. FIFA has indicated that the ban would be lifted only if the Normalization Committee regains complete control of Pakistani football.
Although the Ashfaq group abandoned the office in November, it was subsequently taken over by the Punjab tax department. The problem was solved this week after talks with football officials, officials from Punjab, and the federal minister, Fahmida Mirza.
On Monday, the normalisation committee is expected to start operations at PFF headquarters.
Haroon told Geo News that this is fantastic news for Pakistan’s football community to wake up to. He indicated that Pakistan’s FIFA ban would be removed in light of the situation.
“This will bring an end to our seclusion from world football, and our players will return to action very soon,” Haroon said.
Insiders say that the NC has already drawn up an eight-month plan for the Pakistan Football Federation’s election process, which will start later this month and will be watched by the Pakistani government.
