Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and Beaconhouse School System today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising a strategic partnership to develop structured football pathways at the school level and promote the sport among young players across Pakistan.The MoU was signed by PFF President Mohsen Gilani and Beaconhouse School System Chief Executive Officer Kasim Kasuri at a ceremony held at Football House in Lahore.Under the agreement, both organisations will collaborate to build a comprehensive grassroots ecosystem, focusing on structured player pathways, talent identification, coaching education, and competitive opportunities for students. The partnership will introduce inter-school football and futsal competitions across multiple age groups, alongside training camps, boot camps, and skill development programmes for both boys and girls.A key pillar of the collaboration is capacity building, with PFF set to deliver certification programmes for coaches, referees, and physical education teachers, as well as specialised training in fitness, performance, and team management. The initiative will also support the establishment of football academies at selected Beaconhouse campuses and provide technical guidance for infrastructure development.Talent identification will be conducted through leagues, camps, and evaluation programmes, with outstanding players recommended for advanced development pathways and scholarship opportunities at youth levels. The partnership will also emphasise values-based engagement, including leadership, resilience, wellbeing, and fair play.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Beaconhouse CEO Mr Kasuri said that Beaconhouse School System would stand shoulder to shoulder with the PFF at the school level and across youth football activities. He reaffirmed the institution’s full support to the federation, adding that Beaconhouse stands ready to contribute to international-level cooperation where required.“I believe football will be more popular in the coming years, and we are excited to sign this MoU that will help develop football coaches and players across all our campuses in the country,” said Mr Kasuri. “I am specially excited by the Football for Mental Health component of this partnership and I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.” PFF President Mohsin Gilani thanked the Beaconhouse CEO for the commitment, describing the partnership as a significant step in embedding football into Pakistan’s educational fabric and building a sustainable domestic talent pipeline.The two leaders exchanged gifts to mark the occasion, with President Gilani presenting Mr Kasuri with the official Pakistan national team shirt.As one of Pakistan’s largest private school networks, Beaconhouse brings extensive institutional reach across dozens of cities and hundreds of campuses, providing the PFF with structured access to young players at a formative stage of development. The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen grassroots systems and contribute to a more cohesive national football ecosystem.

Reoort: Ahmed YousafPakistan made a sizzling start to their FIFA Series campaign with a record-breaking 8-0 victory over the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Thursday.Four goals by four different scorers in the first half time the tone for Adeel Rizki’s side before two more players got their names on the scoresheet as Pakistan surpassed their previous-best victory — 7-0 against the Maldives in September 2022.Pakistan made their attacking intent clear from the very beginning when Mariam Mahmood, fresh from winning the Welsh league title with Wrexham Women, struck the side netting with a shot from an acute angle inside the first four minutes. After Nadia Khan tested Turks and Caicos goalkeeper Archenie Desir with a shot from long range, Pakistan opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Zahmena Malik finding the back of the net. It was 2-0 two minutes later, Aqsa Mushtaq slotting in after a rebound after Mariam had forced a save from Desir.Pakistan continued to press with midfield metronome Layla Banaras showing her quality when she made it 3-0 with a weaving run and smart finish just past the half hour mark.In a game where Pakistan had pinned their opponents in the opposing half for almost the entirety of the match, Mariam got on the scoresheet in the 38th when she expertly volleyed in a cross at the back post.Pakistan continued in the same vein in the second half, Nadia planting a perfect header to a cross from the left in the 56th to make it 5-0.Aqsa scored a pearler to make it 6-0 in the 76th before Layla also got her second with a perfectly-placed shot from outside the box. Isra Khan’s goal in the 81st completed the record-breaking triumph.PFF president Mohsen Gilani hailed the historic win. “I congratulate the players and the coaching staff for creating history. This is the start of a new era for women’s football in Pakistan and I hope the team continues in the same vein in the FIFA series.”

Islamabad (Sports News): The FIFA Team One cohort includes 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 Member Associations, in what is the most comprehensive line-up of match officials in FIFA World Cup™ history. The appointments were made on the basis of FIFA’s long-standing “quality first” principle, while consideration was given to the consistency of the performances delivered by candidates at FIFA tournaments, as well as in international and domestic competitions in recent years.Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, said: “The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments. In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed. The selected officials have received, and will continue to receive, comprehensive support from our fitness coaches and medical staff, including physiotherapists and a mental specialist. Our goal is to ensure that they’re in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on 31 May.”“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be contested across the most extensive geographical footprint in the tournament’s history,” Collina continued. “It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success. The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing.”During the tournament, the match officials will train on a daily basis, with the sessions to feature the participation of local players. Collina commented: “As has been the case at FIFA tournaments in the past, our match analysts will provide the match officials with all the information they need to prepare properly for their games. We’ll leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our match officials are fully prepared, and we’re confident that FIFA Team One will meet the challenges that lie ahead at this groundbreaking competition.”“As at previous World Cups, technology will play an important role in supporting match officials in their decision-making. Goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automated offside technology and connected ball technology will be used, while for the first time in World Cup history, fans will be able to see things from the referee’s on-field perspective thanks to the use of new technologies,” Collina concluded.FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca said: “The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 began immediately after the conclusion of Qatar 2022, with a structured programme involving seminars, workshops and continuous monitoring. Throughout this period, all candidates were closely evaluated by FIFA instructors, fitness coaches, doctors and physiotherapists, receiving comprehensive support to ensure that they achieve the highest possible standards at the tournament.”Team One will be based in Miami, where the selected match officials will meet for a ten-day preparation seminar starting on 31 May. Following this event, the video match officials will relocate to Dallas, which will be home to the International Broadcast Centre, while the referees, assistant referees and support staff will remain in Miami.

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Women's National Team is set to depart for Côte d’Ivoire on Monday to participate in the FIFA Series, marking one of the most significant milestones in the history of women's football in Pakistan. At a press conference held in Lahore on Sunday, the team's management, coaching staff, and captain spoke with clarity and conviction: this group is going there to win.Mejzgaan Orakzai, Director of the Pakistan Football Federation Women's Football Department, stated that the team’s participation in their first-ever FIFA event was made possible by efforts by PFF President Mohsen Gilani."I would like to thank PFF President Mohsen Gilani, whose personal efforts have resulted in Pakistan being able to participate in the FIFA Series," she said. "Without his personal involvement and the collaboration of PFF staff we wouldn't have been able to do this."It is a point worth underscoring. The FIFA Series places Pakistan in competition against sides from outside their usual confederation boundaries — Turks and Caicos Islands (CONCACAF), Mauritania, and Ivory Coast (both CAF) — an opportunity that required deliberate pursuit at the highest level of federation leadership."This is a unique opportunity to play outside of our confederation," she said. "We are exposed to different styles of playing, different tactical identities. Our global connections are fostered and developed. This is crucial for the team's growth."The PFF Women's Football Department, which operates as an all-women's unit, is also focused on building an ecosystem that extends well beyond the playing field — creating pathways for women coaches, referees, administrators, and managers at every level of the game.Head Coach Adeel Rizki was measured but unambiguous in his assessment of this squad. "The preparations have been quite strong. I believe this is one of the strongest squads we've had so far. We expect to go there and compete at the highest level and make Pakistan proud."When asked about selection decisions, Rizki outlined a philosophy built entirely on footballing merit — and one that explicitly rejects any division between diaspora and locally-based players."There is no diaspora versus local. We need to keep the balance correct and grow the entire ecosystem. We look at the characteristics and character of the player, their current form, the opponents we are facing, and which players best suit our game model. The question is always: which Pakistani player is best suited for which position. That is how we go about it."He also set out a clear roadmap for where this programme is headed. The short-term target is the SAFF Championship. Beyond that, a qualification spot in the Asian qualifiers. And on the longer horizon — Olympic qualifiers and the FIFA Women's World Cup."With such a strong team in place and strong women around us, these are not unachievable goals," he said.Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan Women's National Team, carried that same competitive confidence into her remarks and was equally emphatic that the squad functions as a single, unified unit."We don't see diaspora versus local. We see Pakistani players ready to represent their country. We are one team — from the technical staff to the people behind the scenes, to the media, to the women's department. All of us, one team."On facing higher-ranked opposition, including Ivory Coast — a side with World Cup qualification experience — Khan did not flinch. "Playing higher-ranked opponents is nothing new to us. We played the Philippines before, which was also a World Cup team. Since then, the team has grown — not just in experience, but in character and playing ability. Anytime you get to play in these situations, it's an opportunity to do something great. The pressure is on Ivory Coast. It's not on us."She also spoke about what is perhaps the most telling indicator of how far this programme has come: several players in this squad are joining up directly from professional football clubs. "The best sign is the fact that we have players coming from fully professional leagues to represent the country during FIFA windows. That is one of the best signs for our national team."Asked about her favourite memory in a Pakistan shirt, Khan answered without hesitation. "It was back in 2022. Lining up to represent the country for the first time and hearing the national anthem. It just hits different."

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan National Women’s team is set to make history when it participates in the FIFA Series in Cote d’Ivoire from April 9 to 16.In what marks the first appearance by the national team in a FIFA event, Pakistan open their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9 before facing Mauritania on April 12.Under head coach Adeel Rizki, Pakistan will end their campaign with a match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on April 16. The team departs for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday with excitement building amongst the team ahead of the FIFA Series.“I want to say a big thank you from our team to PFF President Mohsen Gilani for organising the team’s participation at the FIFA Series,” said forward Nadia Khan. “It is one thing just saying different things but actually executing it and following through is something different and it's truly amazing that we can play at this level and get exposure like this.”Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj was also looking forward to the FIFA Series with the team’s training camp culminating in Lahore on Sunday.“FIFA specifically picking us to compete in the FIFA series I think is really really big for us,” Zeeyana said. “With us it's always really difficult because we don't really get much time together as a team and so this time it's been really nice to be able to get a few weeks of training before we go and play in the Ivory Coast and hopefully that can allow us as a team to gel to be able to perform.”Midfielder Sanah Mehdi asked the fans to get behind the team and support them in their bid for glory.“We're all really looking forward to the support and please get behind us and watch our games,” Sanah said. “It means a lot to us and it's what drives us forward.”Squad: Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara; Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi; Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik; Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album roll-out begins with the global release of Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carín León, produced by Cirkut, via Def Jam Recordings. Lighter marks the first chapter of a groundbreaking album created for the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history and is now live across all major streaming services.A collaboration between three defining artists from the tournament’s host nations – Jelly Roll (United States), Carín León (Mexico) and Cirkut (Canada), the 2026 GRAMMY® Award Winner for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical – Lighter brings together the three host countries through one collaborative sound. Blending Jelly Roll’s country roots with Carín León’s regional Mexican influence, the track bridges genres, reflecting the shared cultural energy of North America and the global passion for the game.“The FIFA World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world moves to the same rhythm,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is not simply a musical accompaniment to the tournament; it’s a statement about where the global game is going. By bringing together artists whose voices resonate across continents, we are creating something that mirrors the scale, ambition and cultural impact of this historic competition. Lighter marks the beginning of that journey. It is a powerful expression of resilience, energy and joy – a song that will connect with fans everywhere and become part of the atmosphere in stadiums, fan celebrations and communities around the world throughout the tournament.”Reflecting on the track and collaboration, Jelly Roll shares: “Music has a way of reaching people in places you’d never expect, and the way this song came together with Carín León and Cirkut is proof of that. I’ve had a whole lot of respect for both of them for a long time, so getting to come together on this record has been real special. Grateful to be able to share it with folks all over the world.”“Collaborating with an artist like Jelly Roll, and doing so for nothing less than the biggest sporting event in the world, is something that fills me with pride,” adds Carín León. “As a Mexican, I’m incredibly excited to be part of this project and to bring a piece of our music and culture to so many corners of the world. Very grateful for the opportunity and happy to share what we love most: music from the soul.”On shaping the record, Cirkut notes: “Working with Jelly Roll and Carín León on the first record of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album was a real honor. We wanted to create something that carries the sound and soul of the host countries, and hits in a way that connects with fans around the world.”

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Following the proposal made by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) at the 74th FIFA Congress and the subsequent decision of the FIFA Council to mandate the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to investigate the alleged offence of discrimination raised by the PFA, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that the Israel Football Association (IFA) has committed multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA Member Association.As a consequence, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions on the IFA for breaches of articles 13 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC):a)  The IFA is ordered to pay a fine to the amount of CHF 150,000, subject to lit. c) below.b)  The IFA is issued with a warning regarding its conduct.c)  The IFA is ordered to implement a prevention plan in accordance with the following directives:The Israel Football Association is ordered to display in its next three (3) A-level FIFA competition matches at home a significant and highly visible banner with the words “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” alongside the Israel Football Association’s logo. The size, layout, and positioning of the banner in the stadium shall be submitted by the Israel Football Association to FIFA at the latest fifteen (15) days before each match for approval.The Israel Football Association shall, within sixty (60) days of the notification of the present decision, invest one third (1/3) of the fine due as per point a) above towards the implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure action against discrimination and to prevent repeated incidents, in compliance with art. 15 par. 7 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The plan shall be approved by FIFA and shall focus on the following areas: reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns in stadiums and on official channels for an entire season. The remainder of the fine is to be paid within 30 days of notification of the decision.The Committee reaffirms that while its mandate is confined to the application of FIFA’s internal regulatory framework, it cannot remain indifferent to the broader human context in which football operates. The sport must remain a platform for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Its global reach and unifying power carry with them a responsibility to uphold the values of dignity, equality, and humanity—especially in times of conflict and division.

Islamabad (fsisal): Pakistan Men’s Under-20 team head coach Shehzad Anwar has announced a 26-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship.The tournament will be held in the Maldives from March 23 to April 3, with Pakistan drawn in Group ‘B’ alongside Bangladesh and India.Pakistan will play Bangladesh in their opening match on March 24, before facing India two days later. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.“We have tried our best in forming a competitive team that will hopefully deliver results at the SAFF Under-20 Championship,” coach Shehzad Anwar said.The players are currently training at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, with the squad having been finalised after week-long trials.Preliminary squad:Goalkeepers: Zulqurnain (Landikotal), Adil Ali Khan (Islamabad), Kashif (South Waziristan), Ghulam Abbas (Sargodha).Defenders: Umar Javed (Swabi), Zarib Haider (Parachinar), Majid Ali (Faisalabad), Waseem Abdul Rasheed (Karachi), Ubaid Ullah (Bhakkar), Abdul Khaliq (Chaman), Abdur Rehman (Faisalabad), Aabis Raza (Layyah), Sheraz Khalid (Karachi).Midfielders: Ali Zafar (Quetta), Zain Imran (Melbourne), Shahab Ahmed (Chitral), Khubaib (Bannu), Owais Ilyas (Karachi), Junaid (D.I. Khan), Mansoor Khan (Islamabad).Forwards: Najeeb Ullah (Bhakkar), Abdul Samad (Swat), Sajjad Hussain (Quetta), Abdullah (Rawalpindi), Faham (Islamabad), Umar Nawaz (Peshawar/UK).

Islamabad (Sports Report):Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Wapda will clash in the National Challenge Cup final on Sunday after both registered 4-0 victories in their last-four clashes at the KPT Stadium on Friday.KRL cruised into the final in style with their thrashing of Army highlighted by sensational strikes from Ali Zafar and Zaid Umer.Ali Raza was involved in three goals as Wapda eased past SA Gardens in a repeat of the final of the last edition of the tournament.KRL 4-0 ArmyKRL dominated possession from the start and took the lead in the 26th thanks to a long-range stunner. Ali Zafar got the ball close to the right and then let fly with a rising shot that dipped just at the right time to leave Army goalkeeper Mohammad Faheem well beaten.Another stunning goal, this time by Zaid Umer, doubled KRL’s lead in the 47th. KRL won a free-kick on the right and Zaid found the sweetest of connections with his left-foot; the ball curling over the wall and into the bottom corner.Army were up against it and it soon got worse when Hazrat Abbas was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity by pulling at the shirt of his opponent.The contest was good as over and KRL sent out a statement by scoring twice late on.Ali Agha tapped in a cross from the left to make it 3-0 in the 70th minute before Sameer Abbas pounced on a rebound off his own shot to complete the rout in the 83rd.“It’s a great win for us,” said Zaid. “We were facing a difficult opponent but we showed our strength today. We hope to do the same in the final.” Wapda 4-0 SA GardensAli Raza starred as Wapda followed KRL into the final with a commanding display against SA Gardens.The striker opened the scoring in the 30th minute when he ran on to a delightful reverse by Fareedullah and found the back of the net with the outside of his right foot.Wapda got their second in the 36th with Ali again involved. Drifting in from the right, he fired a low shot that was deflected in by Mohibullah.SA Gardens were up against it and the were 3-0 down in the 53rd when Ali scored from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. Wapda completed the scoring in the 90th, when Hammad Hassan tucked in a rebound.“Really delighted with the performance,” said Ali. “We imposed ourselves from the start and once we got the first goal, it got easier for us. We’re looking ahead to doing more of the same in the final.”

Islamabad (Sports Report)FIFA today announced record-breaking participation levels on the road to the FIFAe Finals 2026, with more than 120 nations set to compete across multiple qualification pathways. The milestone marks the largest and most inclusive FIFAe season to date, underlining FIFA’s continued commitment to growing football esports worldwide, with more than half of its Member Associations taking part.The national-team season will feature three core competitions across Rocket Qualification for the FIFAe Finals will run throughout the year, starting with the FIFAe Nations League as the foundation of national team competition. From there, teams advance to the continental qualifiers, where the best nations in each region earn qualification for the FIFAe Finals 2026.