In a special episode of the Football Deewane Series hosted by Abdul Rehman Shahbaz Khan on The Sports Side, Haroon Malik who is the Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) Normalization Committee shared his vision, challenges and hopes for football in Pakistan. Malik discussed his journey, the progress of Pakistani football and the roadblocks the sport faces in the country all while offering valuable insights into its future.
Haroon Malik’s Journey in Football
Haroon Malik opened up about his long-standing passion for football stating: “I was fond of sports in my childhood, played for various teams, and was the captain of many football teams.” He also mentioned his experience in sports infrastructure development and his involvement with FIFA projects globally. “Football has always been integral to my life, and I am thankful to Allah that I got the opportunity to contribute to the sport in Pakistan,” Malik said.
The Future of Pakistani Football
Looking forward, Malik sees immense potential in Pakistani football. He mentioned, “In the next 5 to 10 years, I expect we will continuously improve in football because the demand from fans is growing.” He emphasized how football is gaining popularity, as seen in televised leagues and foreign broadcasts. Malik believes this enthusiasm will push the private sector to invest in football helping the sport thrive. “Football is the biggest sport in almost every country, and Pakistan has a lot of potential; we just need to leverage it properly,” he explained.
Challenges and Failures as PFF Chairman
Malik candidly addressed the difficulties during his tenure. “I tell my team that only those who are doing something make mistakes,” he said, acknowledging that there were areas for improvement. He pointed out two main failures: the lack of effective outreach and the challenge of changing perceptions about football in Pakistan. “We played 36 international games in two years, which is huge, but we still couldn’t create the perception necessary for football’s growth,” he admitted. Malik emphasized that while social media engagement increased, “it’s not enough to meet the growing demand for football in Pakistan.”
Comparing Football in Pakistan and India
When asked about the comparison between Pakistani and Indian football, Malik focused on Pakistan’s struggles: “Our best ranking was 146, but in 2019, we fell to 205, not because of our players but due to administrative issues.” He highlighted that the 18th Amendment, which made sports a provincial rather than a national matter, created significant hurdles. Malik stressed the importance of creating a five-year vision for Pakistani football, which PFF has begun implementing. “We set a goal to win our first FIFA World Cup qualifier, and we achieved that with Allah’s help,” Malik proudly shared.
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Administrative Issues and Bans in PFF
Malik clarified the recent banning of certain PFF members, stating that the community, not the federation, initiated these actions. “These decisions were made by the community, not by PFF. We’re just here to ensure football’s betterment,” he explained. He also addressed concerns about court appeals from banned members, expressing confidence that the PFF appeals process would handle the cases fairly.
Delayed Salaries and FIFA’s Role
Malik acknowledged the issue of delayed player salaries attributing the problem to the suspension of PFF’s bank accounts following attacks on the organization in 2021. “FIFA has taken over the process, and they are managing everything, including budget and audit,” he said, assuring that all payments would be completed. Malik urged those who had disrupted the PFF to let football progress. “The players are aware of the situation, and I have no doubt that all payments will be cleared,” Malik added.
Infrastructure and Government Cooperation
Discussing stadiums and government support, Malik praised certain venues like Karachi’s People Stadium and Lahore’s Punjab Stadium, which, with renovation, could host international matches. He pointed out, however, that the bureaucracy surrounding NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for international travel remains a challenge. “While we’ve always received NOCs, there have been hiccups along the way. But, Inshallah, things will improve” Malik expressed with optimism.
Development of Domestic and International Football
Domestically, Malik highlighted the All Pakistan District Championship and the Academy Accelerator Program, which involves over 500 academies. “Football is being played at the grassroots level, and we are working hard to develop domestic football,” he said. On the international front, Malik confirmed that youth and women’s teams are being prepared for future tournaments and friendlies. “There is activity, but I agree we need more consistent game time to develop our local talent,” he admitted.
Plans for a Professional Football League
Haroon Malik shared exciting news about a future professional football league in Pakistan. “We’ve set up a proper professional process, and the league will start next year,” he announced. He emphasized that the league would benefit not just the players but also the entire football ecosystem in the country. “This is crucial for both the fans and the players, and we’re committed to making it happen,” Malik stated confidently.
Responding to Allegations
When asked about allegations from Umaid Wasim’s story, Malik dismissed them with humor. “The story made me laugh. Apparently, I’m so powerful that I walked into FIFA and got them to execute my plan for Pakistan,” Malik joked. He emphasized that the claims were baseless and that he had not been asked for his comment before the article was published.
Conclusion
Haroon Malik concluded the interview with a heartfelt message to football fans. “I always think of giving an inspiring message to fans, but I end up thanking them. Football has seen dark days, but the fans have kept it alive,” he said. Malik expressed his gratitude for their support and promised that he and the PFF would continue working to elevate football in Pakistan.
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