FIFA chief backs Gilani's Pakistan football vision
Gianni Infantino met PFF president Syed Mohsen Gilani in New York and confirmed he will visit Pakistan for the FIFA Arena inauguration.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has backed Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsen Gilani’s plans to develop football across the country, with a stated focus on youth and grassroots growth, after the two met in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly week.
According to the Daily Times, Infantino was impressed by Gilani’s vision and confirmed that he will visit Pakistan for the inauguration of the FIFA Arena. The FIFA chief appreciated steps taken by Gilani in the 15 months since he became PFF president, and praised the achievements of Pakistan’s national teams during that period.
Infantino also urged the PFF to pursue constitutional amendments to bring its statutes in line with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. He reassured Gilani of FIFA’s full backing for the future of the game in Pakistan, and both sides agreed to continue collaboration between the global football body and the PFF, including ways to give the country’s youth greater opportunities to play and experience football.
The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Infantino pledged FIFA’s support for Gilani’s vision to transform and develop football in Pakistan, with a strong focus on youth and grassroots development.
Gilani thanked Infantino and FIFA for their confidence and support. He said the backing of world football’s governing body would further strengthen the PFF’s efforts to develop the sport in Pakistan. His vision, he said, 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 was quoted as saying.
Infantino extended his best wishes to the PFF and the Pakistan team for the ongoing FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, and looked ahead to the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026, the Daily Times reported.
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