In a significant development for Pakistan’s football future, Syed Mohsen Gilani has been elected as the new President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The election marks a turning point in the country’s football governance after years of turmoil, mismanagement, and political interference.
Election Results: A Close Contest
The PFF elections saw Mohsen Gilani secure victory with 13 votes, narrowly defeating his opponent Taha Ali Zai, who received 11 votes. This slim margin underscores the competitive nature of the race and the high stakes involved in determining Pakistan football’s future.
PFF Executive Committee 2025
According to FootballPakistan.com, the full list of the elected PFF Executive Committee members is as follows:
- President: Syed Mohsen Gilani
- Vice Presidents (3): Naveed Aslam Lodhi, Hafiz Zakaullah, Dr. Muhammad Ali
- Punjab Representatives (2): Abid Hussain, Raja Amer Khan
- Sindh Representatives (2): Arif Shahzad, Waseem Raja
- Balochistan Representatives (2): Gul Muhammad, Shakeel Ahmed
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): To be decided in the next PFF Congress
- Services Representatives (3): Javed Ali Memon, Mohsin Ali Chaudhry, Umair Aslam Malik
Who is Mohsen Gilani?
Mohsen Gilani brings with him an impressive resume of global experience in football management, development, and social impact initiatives.
Global Experience in Club and League Development
- Mohsen played a key role in facilitating Asian investment in Danish club FC Midtjylland, helping the club rise to become Danish champions and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
- He also guided investors through a successful strategic exit, demonstrating both his football business insight and operational leadership.
FIFA & Development Work
- He has contributed to FIFA’s Performance Program, particularly in marketing strategies for women’s football leagues.
- He has been actively involved in FIFA’s Football for Hope initiatives and has helped develop social finance models aimed at making football more inclusive and sustainable.
Academic Background
- FIFA Master’s Degree in Law, Management, and Humanities of Sport
- Oxford University Social Finance Program alumnus
- Co-author of several FIFA and CIES research reports on global football development
According to journalist Zeeshan Shafi (@izeeshaan3), “Mohsen’s contribution to international football finance and development is rare in South Asia. His experience can provide a much-needed professional and modern approach to Pakistan’s football governance.”
Message from the Founders of Footballer.pk
The election of Mohsen Gilani represents hope for a football community that has endured years—if not decades—of dysfunction.
“Pakistan football has finally seen transparent elections after years, even decades. The seeds of corruption that Faisal Saleh Hayat and his aides sowed still haunt our football system,” said the founders of Footballer.pk.
They added:
“The new administration led by Mohsen Gilani has a mountain to climb. There is less time and more tasks, from youth development to women’s football, league structures to grassroots initiatives. This is not a one-man job—it will take the entire football community to bring Pakistan football back on track.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
With the FIFA suspension lifted and elections concluded, Pakistan football now has a rare window to rebuild. Mohsen Gilani and his team must:
- Restore trust and transparency in governance
- Launch robust domestic leagues for men and women
- Rebuild youth development systems
- Re-engage with international football and secure friendlies, tournaments, and sponsorships
Footballer.pk stands committed to covering every step of this journey. We wish Mohsen Gilani and his executive committee the very best as they take on the monumental task of restoring pride in Pakistan football.
Written by:
Jasper Reichardt & Mohsin Rasheed
Founders, Footballer.pk