Zeeshan Shafi exposes yet another scandal in Pakistan football, exposing the clandestine selection of three women representatives for the PFF Congress. How these individuals were appointed raises serious concerns about transparency, favoritism, and the overall integrity of football governance in Pakistan.
Who Are the Three “Selected” Women Representatives?
The three women appointed to the PFF Congress have raised eyebrows not just for their lack of a transparent selection process, but also for their close ties to influential figures within and outside the football community. Their appointments have led to accusations that their inclusion was less about promoting women’s football and more about ensuring loyalty to the existing power structure. Here’s a closer look at the trio:
- Barrister Maryam Omar – The daughter-in-law of retired High Court Judge Tariq Shamim and wife of Omar Tariq Shamim, a prominent advocate. While her legal background may be impressive, her connection to influential figures has led many to question whether her appointment was based on merit or family ties.
- Ayesha Amer – The wife of Raja Amir, a well-known politician from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sialkot. Her political connections have fueled speculation that her selection was more about securing political favor than advancing women’s football.
- Eshrat Fatima – Recommended by NC member Shahid Khokhar, Eshrat Fatima’s appointment has also been met with skepticism. Notably, she is not to be confused with the women’s football player of the same name, further highlighting the lack of clarity in the selection process.
The personal and political affiliations of these women have led many to wonder whether their appointments were a genuine effort to promote women’s football or merely a way to consolidate power within the PFF.
A Pre-Planned Selection?
One of the most troubling aspects of this controversy is the allegation that these women were chosen months before the PFF Congress was officially formed. If true, this would suggest that the selection process was never intended to be fair or transparent. Instead, it appears to have been a calculated move to install individuals who would align with the interests of those in power.
Reports indicate that 12 CVs were submitted to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA for consideration. However, the majority of these candidates reportedly came from backgrounds in business, politics, or personal connections—not from women with a proven track record in football. This raises serious questions about the criteria used to select the representatives and whether the process was designed to exclude qualified candidates.
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How Should the Selection Process Have Been Conducted?
In any credible football federation, the selection of representatives—especially for women’s football—should follow a transparent and merit-based process. Here’s what a fair and transparent selection process might look like:
- Public Announcement & Call for Applications – The federation should openly invite applications through official channels, such as its website and social media platforms, to ensure a wide pool of candidates.
- Clear Eligibility Criteria – Candidates should be required to have relevant experience in women’s football, governance, or development, ensuring that only qualified individuals are considered.
- Submission of CVs & Applications – Applicants should provide detailed CVs and supporting documents to demonstrate their qualifications.
- Screening & Shortlisting – An independent committee should review applications based on predefined criteria to shortlist the most suitable candidates.
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates should be interviewed to assess their knowledge, experience, and commitment to women’s football.
- Final Selection & Approval – The final decision should be made by an independent committee, free from external influence.
- Official Appointment & Announcement – The names of the selected representatives should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Instead of adhering to such a process, the PFF, under the leadership of Haroon Malik and the FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee (NC), allegedly handpicked these three women without any clear justification. This has left many wondering why experienced female footballers, coaches, and administrators—who have dedicated years to the sport—were overlooked.
Where Are the Real Women’s Football Representatives?
Pakistan is home to numerous women who have made significant contributions to football as players, coaches, and administrators. If the PFF’s goal was truly to promote women’s football, why were these experienced professionals not given a chance to represent the sport? Their exclusion suggests that the selection process was less about advancing women’s football and more about maintaining control over the federation.
This controversy is emblematic of a larger issue in Pakistan’s football governance: the concentration of power in the hands of a select few, often at the expense of merit and transparency. By appointing individuals with close ties to influential figures, the PFF risks perpetuating a system where decisions are made to serve personal and political interests rather than the growth of the sport.
Will FIFA Take Action?
FIFA has long championed transparency and fair play in football governance, but this controversial selection process occurred under its watch. If FIFA is serious about upholding these principles, it must take concrete steps to address the situation:
- Audit the Selection Process – FIFA should conduct a thorough review of the selection process to determine whether due procedure was followed.
- Investigate the Appointments – An independent investigation should be launched to assess whether political favoritism played a role in the appointments.
- Ensure Accountability – If violations are found, FIFA must enforce corrective measures to hold those responsible accountable.
However, FIFA’s track record in addressing governance issues in Pakistan has been less than stellar. The question remains: Will FIFA step up and take action, or will it once again turn a blind eye to the manipulation of football governance in Pakistan?
The controversial selection of women representatives in the PFF Congress is yet another example of how football governance in Pakistan is being manipulated for personal and political gain. Instead of empowering women’s football, the process has been hijacked to secure votes and maintain control. Unless FIFA and the AFC intervene, Pakistan’s football will continue to be plagued by non-meritocratic selections, sidelining those who truly deserve to represent the sport. For the sake of football in Pakistan, it’s time to prioritize transparency, accountability, and merit over favoritism and political connections.
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