FIFA suspends the Pakistan Football Federation; here is why

Football’s governing body FIFA on Wednesday announced that it has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on account of “undue third-party interference”.

“FIFA has decided to suspend the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) with immediate effect in accordance with the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council dated 10 October 2017 on account of undue third-party interference.The Bureau took this decision as a result of the fact that the PFF offices and its accounts remain in control of a court-appointed administrator, which constitutes a violation of the PFF obligations to manage its affairs independently and without influence from any third parties in accordance with the FIFA Statutes,” reads the statement released by FIFA.

The FIFA statement adds that the suspension will be lifted once the PFF offices and access to the PFF accounts are returned to the PFF.

Following its suspension, the PFF has lost all its membership rights. The PFF’s national and affiliated club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.

This also means that neither the PFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation.

Moreover, other member associations may not entertain sporting contact with the PFF during its suspension.