FIFA Invites Pakistan to Join Global ‘Football for Schools’ Program

FIFA has officially invited the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to participate in the global “Football for Schools” (F4S) programme, offering resources to promote football among children in schools nationwide.

📰 FIFA’s Invitation: Key Highlights

Formal invitation: FIFA addressed a letter to PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, inviting Pakistan to join the initiative.
Confirmation deadline: Pakistan has until December 31, 2025, to accept or decline the offer.
Global scope: This invitation is part of FIFA’s worldwide drive to embed football into education systems.

🎁 What Pakistan Stands to Gain

164,940 footballs distributed nationwide, matching the number of children aged 4–14.
A USD 50,000 one-time grant to support programme rollout in schools.
Access to F4S digital app and teaching manual for structured football education.
Capacity-building support—professional trainers will conduct in-person or online courses for selected physical education teachers.

🤝 Statements & Strategic Insight

Elkhan Mammadov (FIFA’s Chief Member Association Officer) emphasized the importance of a clear decision by the December deadline.
The programme supports FIFA’s broader goal of integrating football into school systems, promoting health, teamwork, and life skills.

✅ Context: FIFA & Pakistan Football

Pakistan’s PFF had recently been reinstated internationally after the Lahore extraordinary congress approved FIFA/AFC-backed constitutional reforms on March 2, 2025, ending a suspension imposed in February.
The country is now actively setting its sights on youth and grassroots development, while preparing its national team for upcoming Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

🌱 Impact & Next Steps

If Pakistan accepts the FIFA invitation, it will:

Strengthen youth engagement through school-based football.
Provide valuable infrastructure (footballs, training, digital tools).
Support coach development and quality education through training sessions.
Reinforce Pakistan’s football ecosystem, particularly after recent governance reforms.

🏁 Conclusion

With a deadline of December 31, 2025, Pakistan has a strategic opportunity to tap into FIFA’s F4S initiative. This could be a transformative step for grassroots sports development, offering both sporting and educational benefits to children across the nation.