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LAHORE: A delegation led by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a series of high-level meetings with international football officials in Vancouver on Tuesday, ahead of this week’s FIFA Congress, the federation said.
The delegation, which included PFF Vice President Hafiz Zakaullah and Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar, is in Canada to attend the 76th FIFA Congress scheduled for Thursday.
On the sidelines of the 36th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress, the Pakistani officials met counterparts from several football bodies, including German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf, Canada Soccer President Peter Augruso, Chinese Football Association (CFA) President Song Kai and Tajikistan Football Federation (TFF) Vice President Iskandar Jalalov.
The German FA offered full support to Pakistan in multiple areas, including coach education and the development of women’s football. Neuendorf also invited Pakistani players and coaches to Germany to gain exposure to its advanced football systems.
In talks with Canada Soccer, Gilani thanked the hosts for organising the FIFA Congress and discussed potential collaboration in grassroots football development and coaching education. Both sides also explored the possibility of exhibition matches, with Pakistan offering to help engage the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
During the meeting with the Chinese FA, both sides highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, often described as “iron brothers.” The Chinese federation offered support in futsal training, while Gilani invited Song to visit Pakistan. The two parties agreed to hold more detailed discussions after the upcoming World Cup.
Separately, Tajikistan’s football federation expressed willingness to assist Pakistan in referee training and goalkeeper coaching. Cooperation in the development of women’s football was also discussed.
Tuesday’s engagements were part of a broader outreach effort by the PFF delegation, which plans to meet officials from several other federations during its stay in Canada to explore avenues for football development.
