LAHORE – In a decisive step towards reviving grassroots football in one of Pakistan’s most passionate sporting cities, the District Football Association (DFA) Lahore has officially launched the Lahore Football League. The announcement came during the association’s inaugural General Council meeting, held at the Raiders Football Ground and presided over by DFA President Zia Arif Dogar.
The event brought together over 25 club representatives, signaling a renewed collective spirit among Lahore’s football community. With its rich sporting legacy and a pool of untapped talent, Lahore has long been seen as a sleeping giant in Pakistan’s football landscape. The new league, backed by a series of strategic decisions, aims to awaken that potential.
A United Football Vision
Among the prominent attendees were DFA General Secretary Abdul Nadeem, Vice President Syed Jamaat Ali Shah, host Muhammad Azhar, senior football figure Captain Tahir Hussain, and respected community leaders Muhammad Hanif, Saad Chaudhry, and Tajammal Khan. The technical side of the game was well-represented too, with Referees Association’s Tariq Masood and international referee Farhan bringing officiating insight into the conversation.
Key Resolutions Passed
The council unanimously passed eleven key resolutions, setting the tone for a new era of football administration in the city. Highlights include:
- The formal launch of the Lahore Football League, providing a consistent and organized competition structure for registered clubs.
- A pledge to hold exclusive tournaments for officially registered clubs, reinforcing a system of merit and regulation.
- Support for registering new football clubs, aimed at expanding the city’s footballing ecosystem.
- Monthly association meetings, ensuring regular review, transparency, and shared responsibility.
- A collective decision to avoid controversial football-related debates on social media, focusing instead on constructive engagement.
- Strengthening coordination among clubs and launching club development programs to nurture talent and improve standards across the board.
Each resolution, while administrative in nature, has direct implications for players, coaches, and fans alike. The development signaling a more inclusive, structured, and progressive football culture.
Building for the Future
“This is just the beginning,” President Dogar emphasized, reflecting the shared sentiment in the room. “We’re not just restoring Lahore’s football identity — we’re rebuilding it to be better, fairer, and more vibrant than ever before.”
Participants hailed the meeting as a turning point. For too long, Lahore’s football narrative has been dominated by missed opportunities and off-field disputes. But now, with clear leadership, grassroots support, and a unified direction, the city is poised to reclaim its position as Pakistan’s football heartbeat.