Pakistan is set to launch a new professional football league designed around local clubs, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gillani confirmed. The league will focus on sustainability and grassroots development rather than following foreign franchise models.
Speaking to Geo News in Karachi, Gillani said the proposed football league would be commercial but structured differently from the Pakistan Super League or India’s Indian Super League. “This will neither be PSL-style nor ISL-style. It will be PFF-style,” he said. The competition will prioritize club foundations to ensure long-term growth.
Gillani highlighted that the federation’s immediate focus remains on strengthening both the men’s and women’s national teams. He said Pakistan recently appointed former Peru international Norberto Solano as head coach. Solano will lead a national training camp in preparation for an upcoming fixture against Myanmar. Despite Ramadan making friendly matches difficult, the coach aims to prepare the team for competitive success.
“Our entire focus is on improving the national teams. Team selection is fully the coach’s responsibility,” Gillani added. He stressed that the PFF will fully support Solano’s decisions regarding player selection.
In addition to national team development, Gillani announced plans to improve football infrastructure across Pakistan. Mini-pitches are being installed nationwide, with two new pitches already completed. He also mentioned that the FIFA president is expected to visit Pakistan soon, supporting further international cooperation.
Pakistan’s football had faced nearly a decade of disruption due to internal disputes and FIFA interventions. Gillani said recent regional engagement, including SAFF futsal competitions with India, demonstrates football’s potential to build positive relationships.
He also addressed the role of overseas-based players, saying that any eligible footballer should represent Pakistan if the coach considers them suitable. Gillani noted that tangible improvement is expected within two years, citing progress in the under-17 side and encouraging results in women’s football.
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The new football league, combined with national team strengthening and infrastructure development, signals a comprehensive roadmap for the revival of football in Pakistan.
