ISLAMABAD: FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim has said that Pakistan’s youth possess immense football talent and assured support for the sport’s development in the country.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood, Sheikh Salman expressed delight over his visit to Pakistan, saying, “I am pleased to be here. This is my first visit since 2017, and I am glad to return at a time when the country has an elected football body in place.”
He added that a clear roadmap is now available for the sport’s growth. “With the cooperation of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), we will work to elevate Pakistan’s football standards. Many people here follow the game closely; we must further promote it. The infrastructure may not yet be ideal, but we are committed to improving it through various initiatives. Visible changes will emerge soon,” he assured.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mashhood thanked Sheikh Salman for visiting Pakistan, terming his visit crucial for promoting football. “Under the Prime Minister’s vision, positive changes are taking place in the sports sector. In partnership with FIFA, we aim to identify and nurture local talent. The Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Program is focusing on 30 different sports,” he said.
He added that the government is fulfilling its promises to the youth in a constructive and practical manner.
