PFF Prepares for Key Presidential Election on May 20

Following almost six years without an elected leader, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is about to have its presidential contest. Following the completion of the vetting process, on Friday the PFF’s FIFA-appointed normalisation committee published their final candidate list.

Three contestants are in the running: Taha Alizai and Mohsin Gilani, long-standing players from Pakistani football; Haji Zakaullah, a fresh face on the national arena with mounting popularity from Punjab.

Set for May 20, the election marks the end of the FIFA-mandated normalisation committee reign started in September 2019 following years of internal strife and administrative anarchy.

Major obstacles for the future president will be resurrecting domestic football, which has seen little action under the temporary arrangement.

The new administration will also have to deal with long-standing initiatives to create a franchise-style league, a notion that has not taken off given the lack of consistent management.

Just as important is giving national teams better chances for development, especially as the men’s side is vying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying rights.

Taha and Mohsin provide years of expertise. Mohsin was a former FIFA development officer; Taha founded Karachi United FC, one of Pakistan’s first professionally operated football teams.

Previously supporting Zahir Shah in his power battle with ex-president Faisal Saleh Hayat, they separated themselves following changes in NC leadership.

Zahir was first seen as the front-runner until last month’s 10-year suspension prevented him from running, therefore opening Taha’s path for candidature clear. Candidates must have five PFF congress endorsements, 25 members total.