FIFA President Gianni Infantino vows support for Football development in Pakistan

MIAMI – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed a strong desire to contribute to the development of football in Pakistan, pledging closer cooperation with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and engagement with the country’s government.

Infantino made these remarks during a meeting with PFF President Mohsin Gilani on the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami.

The two leaders discussed key areas for the growth of football in Pakistan, including grassroots development, women’s football, and international participation.

Infantino acknowledged the challenges facing football in Pakistan but emphasized FIFA’s commitment to working alongside the PFF to strengthen the sport’s infrastructure. He also expressed his intention to hold discussions with Pakistani government officials to ensure sustained support for football-related initiatives.

Speaking after the meeting, Infantino said, “We had a productive discussion about Pakistan’s participation in upcoming FIFA Series events and the development of women’s football. I am confident that Mohsin Gilani’s experience and leadership will contribute significantly to the growth of football in Pakistan.”

PFF President Mohsin Gilani shared detailed plans for advancing football in the country, including talent identification, youth training programs, and institutional reforms within the federation.

Earlier,Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Washington, during which he invited the football chief to visit Pakistan — an invitation Infantino has accepted.

Taking to X, Mohsin Naqvi wrote, “Washington DC : Had an excellent meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. We discussed the immense potential of sports in Pakistan — especially the growing popularity of football following cricket. Extended a warm invitation to visit Pakistan, which he graciously accepted and promised to undertake very soon,”.

Naqvi described his interaction with the FIFA President as “excellent” and said Infantino would visit Pakistan soon.

The meeting marks a rare interaction between the top leadership of global football and Pakistan’s cricket administration, and is being seen as a step toward greater collaboration and support for sports development in Pakistan.