Long awaited domestic football kicks off

ISLAMABAD
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the launch of the District Football Championship 2026, a landmark nationwide initiative aimed at revitalising grassroots football, identifying emerging talent, and strengthening domestic football structures across the country.
Addressing a press conference alongside PFF Director Media Umaid Wasim and provincial football heads participating virtually, PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar revealed that, for the first time in Pakistan football’s history, the federation will provide comprehensive professional and administrative support to all the districts to ensure the successful organisation of the championship.
Khokhar credited provincial and regional FAs presidents for their productive contribution in the consultation process and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a transformative step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s football ecosystem from the grassroots level. “Under the leadership of Mohsen Gilani, Pakistan football has already made significant progress internationally and has earned appreciation from FIFA and AFC officials. Now, the focus is on bringing the same vision and commitment to grassroots and domestic football,” he said.
The PFF COO emphasised that the District Football Championship 2026 represents a major investment in the future of Pakistani football, with the objective of creating opportunities for local players and establishing a sustainable talent development pathway. “The PFF is fully committed to making this championship a historic success. Mr. Gilani is very committed and passionate about grassroots events and eager to go to FIFA and AFC for providing all kinds of assistance especially financial in making these events a huge success.
Khokhar further said that for the first time, the PFF will play an active coordinating and supporting role in the organisation of district-level football competitions. District Football Associations (DFAs) will conduct the events, while the federation will provide logistical, technical and administrative assistance.
He stated: “A collaborative framework has also been established to ensure close coordination among districts, provinces and the federation. Formal consultations and regular meetings will be held to finalise all championship-related matters through mutual discussion and consensus.” The COO said that all four provincial football associations and the three regions, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are represented on a dedicated committee tasked with ensuring the successful execution of the championship.
The District Football Championship 2026 is expected to deliver several long-term benefits for Pakistan football, including: Strengthening grassroots and domestic football structures, fulfilling constitutional requirements at the District Football Association level, identification and verification of genuine football clubs, nationwide talent identification and player development, capacity building of District Football Associations, greater coordination between districts, provinces and the PFF and enhanced use of modern technology in competition management.
The National U17 Championship will serve as a talent identification platform for Pakistan’s future international campaigns. Outstanding performers will be considered for selection to national youth teams competing in the SAFF U17 Championship and the AFC U17 Qualifiers. Khokhar said the initiative reflects the federation’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for young players under the leadership of PFF President Mohsen Gilani.
“Under Mohsen Gilani’s dynamic leadership, Pakistani footballers are being provided with maximum opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities. We hope the talented players selected through these competitions will continue to work hard, represent Pakistan with distinction, and bring international success to the country,” he concluded. — DNA