FIFA president visit Pakistan plans were confirmed on Thursday after FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he would travel to the country “very soon” to promote football and strengthen ties with the newly formed Pakistan Football Federation leadership.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Infantino said he had personally promised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he would visit Pakistan following recent progress in football governance.
“Well, I will come to Pakistan, actually, very soon. I promised the prime minister, because we now have a new president of the federation who is doing a fantastic job,” Infantino said.
Praising Pakistan’s football potential, the FIFA chief described the country as a major force waiting to be unlocked in Asia. “Pakistan is a great football country, and we need to bring Pakistan to the head, the top of Asia, for sure,” he said, adding that FIFA was actively working to provide opportunities for young talent.
“We are working on that. Give every talent a chance, especially Pakistan,” Infantino added.
FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger also underscored Pakistan’s vast potential, citing its population and the importance of investing in grassroots football structures. He said the development of academies and youth programmes was crucial for long-term success.
“Look, Pakistan is a country of 250 million people, so that means there’s a huge potential that we have to develop together,” Wenger said, revealing that discussions had already taken place regarding the establishment of football academies in Pakistan.
“I met Pakistani people to develop an academy in Pakistan because I think that is the first step, and as well to develop youth football,” he said, adding that structured youth development was essential to raising the standard of the game.
Asked about his own possible visit to Pakistan, Wenger said scheduling was challenging due to FIFA’s global commitments but expressed hope that he would make the trip.
Pakistan football has endured years of setbacks due to internal disputes and administrative turmoil, resulting in repeated FIFA interventions and periods of international isolation. However, the recent formation of a new leadership structure has helped restore confidence and reopened channels for international engagement.
Officials believe Infantino’s planned visit could play a pivotal role in revitalising football in Pakistan, with expected discussions focusing on grassroots development, youth programmes and improved governance aimed at reintegrating the country into Asia’s football elite.
