ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Syeda Amna Batool has made history by becoming the first Pakistani to be appointed to the FIFA Institutional Reforms Committee, a key body within world football’s global governance structure.
The appointment marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to re-establish itself in the international football arena.
Batool, a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, participated in the committee’s plenary sessions and meetings this week in Qatar. According to an official statement, Batool is currently the only Pakistani serving on a FIFA committee, underscoring the importance of this achievement.
The FIFA Institutional Reforms Committee is tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms to governance frameworks, transparency standards, and institutional practices within global football. As part of the committee, Batool’s role will involve evaluating existing policies and driving reforms that ensure greater accountability and inclusivity across the sport.
In a statement, Batool expressed her commitment to working within the committee to strengthen FIFA’s reform mechanisms.
"My goal is to bring credible, transparent, and sustainable change to global football governance," she said. "This is a significant opportunity for Pakistan to contribute to shaping the future of football worldwide."
Batool’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s football scene, which has been marred by years of political and administrative instability. Pakistan’s football administration has faced a long period of disarray, with internal disputes and external challenges tarnishing its reputation on the international stage.
However, with Batool’s inclusion in FIFA's reform efforts, Pakistan is beginning to rebuild its standing. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy by the government to reassert its position in global football.
Officials noted that the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is keen to stabilize football governance in the country and align with global standards.
"Football is not only a sport in Pakistan; it’s a tool for youth engagement and social development," said a government source close to the matter. "With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, football has the potential to unite and empower our young people."
In recent months, PM Sharif has engaged with senior officials from regional and international football bodies, including AFC President and FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
Sharif has emphasized Pakistan's commitment to an autonomous and merit-based football system, an essential step in restoring credibility to the national federation.
Batool's appointment reflects these ongoing efforts to position Pakistan as a constructive partner in the global football community. As one of the few women from South Asia in the FIFA structure, her role is also seen as an important representation of gender inclusion in football governance.
In parallel, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), under President Syed Mohsin Gilani, has been pursuing both local and international initiatives aimed at reviving the federation after a prolonged period of leadership challenges. Gilani has highlighted the importance of stabilizing the federation’s operations and ensuring Pakistan's compliance with international football standards.
Batool, reflecting on her responsibility, said, “This is an opportunity not just to contribute to FIFA’s reforms, but to ensure that Pakistan becomes a credible and constructive member of the global football family.”
With sustained efforts on both the governmental and football federation fronts, Batool’s appointment signals a hopeful chapter for Pakistan’s football future. While much work remains, officials are optimistic that the reform-driven momentum will contribute to Pakistan’s successful reintegration into the global football ecosystem.
