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LAHORE: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) have appointed Iranian coach Fatemeh Sharif Noghabi as the head coach of the Pakistan women’s national futsal team in a bid to bolster the country’s competitiveness in regional and international competitions, federation said on Sunday.
Sharif Noghabi, who hails from Iran and holds an AFC-certified coaching qualification, brings extensive international experience in both futsal and football coaching. According to PFF, her role will include strategic planning, tactical development and building a structured training programme aimed at long-term growth of women’s futsal in Pakistan.
“We are pleased to welcome Fatemeh Sharif Noghabi to lead our women’s futsal national team,” a PFF spokesperson said in a statement.
“Her technical expertise, international exposure and proven track record make her a strong fit for advancing the sport here.”
The appointment reflects a growing focus by the PFF on developing women’s football and futsal, sectors in which Pakistan has historically lagged behind due to resource constraints and limited infrastructure. Officials said the hiring of a seasoned international coach is part of a broader strategy to raise standards and improve competitiveness ahead of upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championships and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers.
Sharif Noghabi’s coaching credentials include work with youth and elite level futsal clubs, as well as participation in major tournaments across Asia. The PFF hopes her leadership will not only improve results on the pitch but also help in talent identification and development at grassroots levels.
The decision comes at a time when the PFF is actively seeking to revamp its technical and coaching structures across men’s and women’s football. Earlier this week, the federation initiated a formal process to recruit a new head coach for the Pakistan women’s national football team, setting clear requirements for FIFA/AFC-licensed candidates with elite coaching experience.
Pakistan’s football governing body has faced long-standing challenges, including administrative issues and past suspensions by FIFA over governance concerns. The federation has been working to rebuild credibility and stability since a suspension was lifted earlier this year following constitutional reforms.
Local football experts welcomed the hiring of Sharif Noghabi but stressed that systemic support such as better domestic competition, regular funding and youth development pathways will be crucial for sustained progress.
“Technical leadership is vital but without matching investments in infrastructure and regular competitive exposure, the impact will be limited,” said a coach.
Sharif Noghabi is expected to begin work immediately, with her first assignment likely to include preparation for the 2026 SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, where Pakistan will compete against regional rivals.
