Lahore, November 6, 2025: FIFA Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed great satisfaction upon returning to Pakistan after several years, commending the country’s renewed commitment to football and pledging FIFA’s full support for the sport’s growth.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheikh Salman said he was “very happy to come to Pakistan after many years,” recalling that his last visit took place in 2017. He noted that this visit comes at a “crucial time” for Pakistani football and praised the elected leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) under its current president.
He also lauded the government’s support for sports, particularly football, saying such cooperation plays a vital role in nurturing young talent and developing the game nationwide.
The FIFA vice president emphasized that his focus was not on past challenges but on shaping a better future for Pakistani football.
“A clear roadmap is needed to promote football in Pakistan,” he said, stressing that the country has tremendous potential in the sport.
Sheikh Salman highlighted Pakistan’s deep passion for football, calling it one of the world’s most powerful unifying sports. He reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to strengthen the game at all levels.
“You will see changes in the near future,” he assured, acknowledging that while Pakistan’s football infrastructure requires improvement, it is steadily progressing. “Hopefully, it will improve in the future, and football will develop,” he added.
During his meetings with PFF officials, Sheikh Salman discussed several upcoming projects for football development and infrastructure enhancement. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its warm hospitality, saying, “I am grateful to the government of Pakistan for the generous hosting.”
His visit marks a renewed era of cooperation between FIFA and Pakistan, signaling fresh efforts to build a sustainable football framework and identify emerging talent.
Also addressing the event, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports at every level.
He said Pakistan would collaborate with FIFA to identify and nurture football talent across the country, adding that the Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Program focuses on 30 sports, including football.
“Pakistan has talented football youth, and the government is providing opportunities to the youth in sports and other fields,” Rana Mashhood stated, terming Sheikh Salman’s visit a “positive and encouraging step” for the promotion of football in Pakistan.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation with FIFA would significantly boost football’s growth and strengthen Pakistan’s presence on the international sporting stage.
