FIFA Suspension Puts Pakistan’s Participation in 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at Risk

Pakistan’s participation in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers is in jeopardy following FIFA’s suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). According to a letter from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Pakistan men’s national team is currently ineligible to participate in the qualifiers unless the suspension is lifted by Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

FIFA imposed the suspension on PFF on February 6, 2025, meaning the federation has lost its membership rights. As a result, PFF cannot take part in international competitions, including the Asian Cup qualifiers, until the suspension is removed. The qualifiers are set to begin on March 25, 2025.

AFC has given PFF a strict deadline: if the suspension is not lifted by March 4, 2025—three weeks before the qualifiers begin—Pakistan will be forced to withdraw from the tournament. This leaves the PFF with very little time to resolve the issues, as it must meet various requirements such as team registration and match verification.

FIFA’s recent suspension of the PFF marks a major setback for Pakistan’s football aspirations. Missing out on the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers would not only affect the national team’s competitive future but also hinder the growth of the sport within the country.

As the deadline for the Asian Cup qualifiers approaches, all eyes are on the PFF and FIFA to determine whether the suspension will be lifted in time for Pakistan to compete in one of Asia’s biggest football tournaments.

It is important to note that FIFA suspended the PFF due to its failure to implement constitutional amendments necessary for ensuring transparent and democratic elections and completing the normalization process in line with FIFA’s established guidelines. The suspension also halts the flow of funds from FIFA to Pakistan. The suspension will remain in effect until the PFF Congress approves the constitutional amendments proposed by FIFA and the AFC.