Pakistan is set to return to international soccer just in time for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers after FIFA lifted the ban imposed on February 6.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had faced its third international suspension in less than eight years after rejecting FIFA’s recommended amendments to its constitution. However, in an extraordinary congress held in Lahore last week, the PFF unanimously voted to accept the reforms, making Pakistan eligible for the upcoming qualifiers.
Pakistan is scheduled to begin its Group E qualification campaign against Syria on March 25.
“We thank FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for their continued support of Pakistan football and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan football community,” the PFF stated in a social media post following FIFA’s decision.
The AFC had previously informed Pakistan’s soccer administrators that the ban needed to be lifted by March 4 for the men’s national team to participate in the qualifiers. With FIFA’s approval now secured, Pakistan’s return to competitive international football is confirmed.
