PFF announces District Football Championship 2026

LAHORE, Jun 08 (APP): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Monday announced launch of the nationwide District Football Championship 2026 with a view to revitalising grassroots football, identifying emerging talent, and strengthening domestic football structures.

Addressing a press conference, PFF Chief Operating Officer (COO) Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar at the PFF headquarters here, said all four provincial football associations and the three regions, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are represented on a dedicated committee tasked with ensuring the successful execution of the championship.

All provincial football attended the meeting virtually.

COO Khokhar said it is for the first time in country’s football history that the federation will provide comprehensive professional and administrative support to all the districts to ensure the successful organisation of the championship.

Khokhar credited provincial and regional FAs presidents for their productive contribution in the consultation process and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a transformative step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s football ecosystem from the grassroots level. “Under the leadership of Mohsen Gilani, Pakistan football has already made significant progress internationally and has earned appreciation from FIFA and AFC officials. Now, the focus is on bringing the same vision and commitment to grassroots and domestic football,” he said.

The PFF COO emphasised that the District Football Championship 2026 represents a major investment in the future of Pakistani football, with the objective of creating opportunities for local players and establishing a sustainable talent development pathway. “The PFF is fully committed to making this championship a historic success. Mr. Gilani is very committed and passionate about grassroots events and eager to go to FIFA and AFC for providing all kinds of assistance especially financial in making these events a huge success.

“Through this event, we aim to strengthen domestic football, identify talented players from every corner of the country, and provide them with opportunities to progress to higher levels of the game,” he added.

Khokhar further said that for the first time, the PFF will play an active coordinating and supporting role in the organisation of district-level football competitions. District Football Associations (DFAs) will conduct the events, while the federation will provide logistical, technical and administrative assistance.

He stated: “A collaborative framework has also been established to ensure close coordination among districts, provinces and the federation. Formal consultations and regular meetings will be held to finalise all championship-related matters through mutual discussion and consensus.”

The District Football Championship 2026 is expected to deliver several long-term benefits for Pakistan football, including: Strengthening grassroots and domestic football structures, fulfilling constitutional requirements at the District Football Association level, identification and verification of genuine football clubs, nationwide talent identification and player development, capacity building of District Football Associations, greater coordination between districts, provinces and the PFF and enhanced use of modern technology in competition management.

He also revealed that the Pakistan Football Referee Association (PFRA) will also play an important role by providing qualified referees to ensure professional standards throughout the competition. Following the completion of the District Football Championship 2026, the PFF plans to organise the National Club Championship, which will serve as the next stage in the player development pathway.

According to Khokhar, talented players identified through district competitions will receive structured training and development opportunities under qualified PFF coaches. The objective is to systematically prepare promising footballers for representation at various national team levels. “This pathway will enable talented players to progress from district football to club football and ultimately to the national teams through a structured and merit-based system,” he said.

Khokhar also announced details of the upcoming National U17 Championship, another major initiative aimed at strengthening youth football development across Pakistan. He stated that, for the first time, provinces and regions are receiving strategic support from the PFF to establish competitive U17 teams. Each of the four provinces will field two teams, while Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will each enter one team.

The provincial and regional football bodies will be responsible for selecting their squads through the proper channels, while the PFF will bear all expenses associated with the participating teams. The championship is scheduled to take place in the first week of September 2026 and is expected to play a vital role in identifying the country’s most promising young footballers.

The National U17 Championship will serve as a talent identification platform for Pakistan’s future international campaigns. Outstanding performers will be considered for selection to national youth teams competing in the SAFF U17 Championship and the AFC U17 Qualifiers.

Khokhar said the initiative reflects the federation’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for young players under the leadership of PFF President Mohsen Gilani. “Under Mohsen Gilani’s dynamic leadership, Pakistani footballers are being provided with maximum opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities. We hope the talented players selected through these competitions will continue to work hard, represent Pakistan with distinction, and bring international success to the country,” he concluded.