( Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail )
Muhammad Essa Outlines Crucial Roadmap as Pakistan Football Begins New Era Under PFF President Mohsen Gilani
As Pakistan football enters a new chapter with the election of Mohsen Gilani as the president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), former national team captain Muhammad Essa has shared a powerful vision to revive the sport from its grassroots.
In an exclusive conversation with Nukta, Muhammad Essa emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms, transparency, and a merit-based approach to restore Pakistan football after years of turmoil and mismanagement.
A Call for Merit and Unity
“The most important priority for the new PFF leadership should be ensuring merit and transparency,” said Essa. “If competent individuals are appointed to the right roles, implementing meaningful changes to elevate Pakistan’s football will not be difficult.”
Essa also cautioned against indulging in revenge politics and urged the new administration to stay focused on the bigger picture—rebuilding the sport for future generations.
Strengthening the Domestic Football Ecosystem
The former skipper stressed the importance of rebuilding football from the ground up, starting with a solid domestic system and the inclusion of provincial football bodies.
“There must be a strong domestic framework. Federating units need to be actively involved in football development. A centralized system, where provinces have no role, simply won’t work,” Essa noted.
The Need for a Professional Football League
Touching upon Pakistan’s long-standing need for a professional football league, Essa proposed a parallel approach—retaining the Pakistan Premier League (PPL) while gradually introducing a professional league.
“Both leagues should run simultaneously for now. Once the professional league gains traction, only then should we consider replacing the PPL,” he explained.
Essa also highlighted the importance of increased domestic match exposure, saying, “If a player gets 30 to 35 matches a year, it will significantly improve Pakistan’s performance at the international level.”
A Timely Blueprint for Change
Muhammad Essa’s recommendations come at a critical time for Pakistan football. With the new PFF setup in place and fans hoping for long-overdue progress, his vision serves as a practical and passionate blueprint for change.
Reviving Pakistan football will be a challenging journey, but with a strategic plan and unified leadership, the sport has a chance to rise again.
