FIFA lifts Pakistan's suspension after constitutional amendments

FIFA has lifted its suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after it approved constitutional amendments validated by world soccer's ruling body and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The PFF approved the amendments at an extraordinary congress in Lahore on Thursday, fulfilling the requirement for ending the suspension set by FIFA last month.

"The Bureau of the FIFA Council decided on 2 March 2025 to lift the suspension that was imposed on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on 6 February 2025," FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA suspended the PFF in 2017 and 2021 due to third-party interference. Its last ban was lifted in June 2022 after the PFF's normalisation committee said it had regained full control of the federation's premises and finances.

"We thank FIFA and AFC for their continued support of Pakistan football and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan football community," the PFF posted on X.

Pakistan will compete in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers starting this month, the PFF said on Monday, after their participation was put in doubt by the suspension.

The PFF also announced the re-appointment of coach Stephen Constantine, who led the team to their first-ever World Cup qualifying round win in October 2023, for their match against Syria on March 25.