The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) took part in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Extraordinary Congress 2025, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s football diplomacy.
The delegation, led by PFF President Saud Azim Hashimi and Acting General Secretary Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, represented Pakistan at the high-profile event chaired by SAFF President Kazi Salahuddin.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa also attended as a special guest.
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A key outcome of the gathering was the appointment of former AFC official Purushottam Kattel as the new SAFF General Secretary, seen as a move to bring renewed focus to South Asian football administration.
One of the main highlights was a focused meeting between PFF officials and AFC leadership, including Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, who previously played a key role in aligning PFF’s Constitution with FIFA and AFC standards.
Discussions centered around Pakistan’s ongoing normalization process and the upcoming PFF elections — both considered critical for restoring governance in the sport.
President Hashimi briefed the AFC President on election preparations and thanked him for the continued support during Pakistan football’s recent challenges.
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In response, Shaikh Salman expressed hope that new leadership would emerge to guide Pakistani football forward, stressing the need for stability and promising full AFC backing.
In addition to official proceedings, the PFF team held side meetings with representatives from other SAFF nations.
These discussions focused on strengthening regional ties, exploring collaborative projects, and working on joint strategies to promote football development across South Asia.
The Congress not only highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to rebuilding its footballing structure but also reaffirmed its place in the broader regional football community.
