Pakistan Football Federation to review three competing bids on December 29
Ali Tareen has emerged as an unexpected yet significant contender in the race to establish a new football league in Pakistan, positioning himself against two entities advocating a franchise-based model for the sport’s revival.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) last month invited expressions of interest from individuals and companies to rebuild the country’s domestic football structure, which has remained inactive since the last Pakistan Premier Football League in 2019. The deadline for submissions fell on Wednesday, with Tareen confirming that he had formally presented his proposal.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Tareen outlined a vision starkly different from short-format franchise tournaments. He proposed a six-month-long league aimed at sustainable development rather than what he described as “a flashy, one-month cash-grab tournament.”
Pakistan’s domestic football has struggled for continuity over the past several years, with no fully functional league system in place. Tareen, whose bid to renew ownership of Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans was declined by the Pakistan Cricket Board last month, said his football model would prioritise long-term value creation.
According to his proposal, the league would feature home-and-away fixtures, equity ownership for participating teams, and city-based rivalries with two clubs per major city. A notable aspect of his plan includes mandatory women’s teams, scheduled to play earlier on matchdays, inspired by England’s Hundred competition.
“This is the model that builds long-term value, gives fans real clubs to support, and can take Pakistan football to the next level,” Tareen stated, emphasising that a league system holds greater developmental value than short tournaments.
Alongside Tareen, two other bids have been submitted to the PFF, both advocating franchise-based football leagues. One proposal comes from Global Soccer Ventures (GSV), which unveiled plans for a ‘Pakistan Football League’ during a high-profile launch event in Lahore last year. Former England striker Michael Owen was among the notable figures present at the event.
Pakistan international footballer Kaleemullah, associated with the GSV project, acknowledged that the initiative helped reignite local interest in football during a dormant period. GSV claims to have already sold five out of eight proposed franchises and says it is ready to launch immediately.
Another expression of interest has been submitted by Zabe Khan, a former GSV associate and ex-head of sports at K-Electric. Khan has proposed a franchise league lasting between one month and 45 days, arguing that both a franchise tournament and a traditional club league could coexist in Pakistan.
The three bidders are scheduled to present detailed proposals to the Mohsen Gilani-led PFF on December 29. Following these presentations, the federation is expected to decide which entity it will partner with for the country’s next football league.
PFF President Mohsen Gilani has stressed that the federation is focused on sustainability rather than speed. Speaking recently in Lahore, he said the leadership was committed to building a stronger and more resilient football structure.
“This league will not be rushed,” Gilani said. “It will be done the right way.”