Skepticism lingers regarding the the Pakistan Football Federation’s Normalisation Committee’s (PFF NC) willingness and ability to fulfill its mandate. The latest extension highlights persistent challenges in meeting FIFA's expectations.

Haroon Malik and his team remain have been promising to hold transparent PFF elections and implement critical constitutional amendments. These amendments, as directed by FIFA, are essential for organising presidential elections that will restore democratic leadership.

The Normalisation Committee was initially formed in response to Pakistan’s deteriorating football governance.

FIFA aimed to restore order and provide a pathway for elected representatives to assume control. However, the repeated delays suggest that resolving entrenched issues in Pakistan football is far from straightforward.

Mixed fortunes on the field:

On the pitch, 2024 offered moments of both heartbreak and hope. The men’s national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in reaching the global stage. Yet, their historic victory over Cambodia in the AFC qualifiers was a beacon of hope.

The women’s team, meanwhile, struggled against regional rivals in the SAFF Women’s Championship, underscoring the need for long-term investment and development. Despite these setbacks, Pakistan's participation in international events reflects progress, albeit gradual.

Refereeing and coaching
development:

The year was significant for refereeing development. Initiatives such as the PFF District Referees Course in Gujrat, refresher courses in Lahore and Islamabad, and the prestigious FIFA MA Elite Referees Course elevated officiating standards nationwide. These programmes were pivotal in strengthening Pakistan's referee base, ensuring a robust framework for officiating at all levels.

Coaching also took centerstage, with the AFC Level-1 Futsal Coaching Course in Lahore providing a platform for skill enhancement. Such efforts underscore the PFF’s commitment to cultivating a holistic football ecosystem that emphasises both player and staff development.

Domestic tournaments like the National Challenge Cup and the National Women’s Football Club Championship showcased emerging talent and bolstered the sport's appeal. The latter marked significant progress in promoting gender equality within Pakistani football.

Internationally, Pakistan’s participation in events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the SAFF Under-17 and Women’s Championships offered players valuable exposure.

Notably, the women’s team played a historic friendly match against Saudi Arabia in Qatar, a FIFA-sanctioned event that highlighted Pakistan’s growth in women’s football.

Grassroots activities played an essential role in 2024, with district-level courses and training programmes ensuring the continuous development of referees and players.

As Pakistan football looks ahead to 2025, the stakes are higher than ever for the PFF NC. The upcoming elections and constitutional reforms will be critical in determining the sport’s trajectory.

FIFA and AFC’s continued support reflects confidence in Pakistan's potential, but the onus lies on the PFF NC to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.

If the PFF NC fulfilled its mandate, it could herald a new era for Pakistan football — one of stability, growth, and international respect.