KARACHI: Although it was understood that the current regime of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had been established through an alliance between the sitting president Mohsen Gilani and vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah but in, reality, no one had seen the copy of that secret agreement.

Late Wednesday the document of that pact between the two parties got viral.

The key points of the agreement signed on May 26, 2025, paved the way for Syed Mohsen Gilani to secure the PFF’s presidency.

The agreement has been signed by Gilani and Hafiz Zakaullah besides four witnesses and two guarantors.

The agreement, reached on May 26, 2025, says: “Whereas, the parties have mutually agreed to cooperate and share power in the upcoming PFF’s presidential elections scheduled for May 27, 2025, and to facilitate smooth governance within the federation. The parties desire to set forth their understanding and commitments regarding their respective candidacies, support and administrative arrangements for the term of the elected president.

Now therefore in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

(1) Withdrawal of candidacy

(a) Hafiz Zakaullah shall withdraw his candidacy for the presidency of the PFF Executive Committee in the 2025 elections, scheduled for May 27, 2025, on or before May 27, 2025, in favor of Syed Mohsen Gilani. (b) Conversely, Syed Mohsen Gilani shall withdraw his candidacy for the vice-president and support Hafiz Zakaullah’s candidature accordingly.

(2) Support and voting commitments

(a) Each party shall provide all-out support to the respective joint panel during the election process. (b) Both parties shall encourage their supporters, members, and affiliated organizations to vote in favour of the jointly agreed panel, ensuring a unified front.

(3) Finalized panel and composition

(a) The following panel shall be the final candidate list for the upcoming election, with no objections or disputes and the list to be discussed and finalised by the parties with mutual consent and be documented separately.

(b) The parties agreed names for the PFF Executive Committee elections 2025 panel shall be circulated among the voting members of the PFF Congress supported by both parties and no other candidates shall be supported by either party during the election.

(4) Appointment of General Secretary:

(a) Upon successful formation of the Executive Committee, Syed Mohsen Gilani agrees to nominate the General Secretary on the recommendation of Hafiz Zakaullah.

(b) The name of the General Secretary shall be final, binding, and non-disputable, and both parties shall ensure compliance with this appointment in accordance with the PFF Constitution 2025.

(5) Tenure and power sharing:

(a) The parties agree to implement a one-year term for the president, with one of the following arrangements with mutual consent:

(I) Syed Mohsen Gilani will serve as president of the PFF for a period of one year. After completing this one-year term, he will formally declare his unavailability to continue performing the duties of the president, as per the rules of the PFF Constitution. Based on this, the Executive Committee will be asked to approve the delegation of the president’s powers to the senior vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah. Zakaullah will assume all powers and responsibilities of the president for the remaining term, in line with the constitutional framework.

(II) Syed Mohsen Gilani will resign from the position of president, and Hafiz Zakaullah will also resign from the position of the senior vice-president. These resignations will take place according to the procedure outlined in the PFF Constitution, with the purpose of ensuring a smooth and cooperative transfer of leadership. After the resignations, Zakaullah will contest the election for the office of president, and Gilani will contest for the office of senior vice-president. Both will do so with each other’s full support, to maintain unity and strong leadership within the federation.

(b) The AFC and FIFA voting rights shall unconditionally remain with Mohsen Gilani in any of the above set-up for the period of four years

(c) The parties shall draft and adopt specific regulations to govern the delegation of powers during the tenure

 (d) The parties acknowledge that during the tenure, the office of the president and meetings at the PFF Secretariat shall be utilized for football-related matters as mutually agreed.

(e) It has been agreed between the parties that Gilani shall facilitate and ensure the active involvement of Hafiz Zakaullah with the international football governing bodies, including but not limited to FIFA and AFC, during his tenure as president, wherever such engagement is deemed necessary or beneficial

(6) Administrative and structural arrangements:

(a) The internal administration and league structure shall be developed collaboratively, ensuring meritocracy and transparency.

(b) Both parties shall work jointly to promote development programs and football initiatives without hindrance.

(c) The employees within the federation shall be finalized jointly by both parties. The affairs of the federation shall be jointly run by the parties during the term of the arrangement.

(d) The General Secretary shall play his role and perform his functions with due diligence by consulting both the parties.

(7) Good faith and cooperation

(a) The parties shall act in good faith, ensuring the smooth functioning of the federation and avoiding any actions that might undermine the mutual agreement.

(b) Neither party shall support or endorse any candidates or panels contrary to this agreement during the election process.

(8) Dispute resolution

(a) Any disputes arising out of or related to this agreement shall be resolved amicably through negotiation.

(b) If no resolution is reached within fifteen (15) days, the matter shall be referred to arbitration.

(c) The arbitrator shall be appointed with the mutual consent from among witnesses of the agreement.

(d) The award of the arbitration must be binding upon both the parties. (e)  The voting members supporting this agreement as a witnesses shall ensure the compliance of this agreement.

Confidentiality

The parties agree to keep the terms of this agreement confidential and not disclose its contents to any third party.

Miscellaneous

(a) This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, or arrangements.

(b) Amendments or modifications to this agreement shall be made in writing and signed by both parties. (c) This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties.

And interestingly Gilani also wrote and signed his resignation from the PFF presidency, showing that he would be automatically ceasing to exist as the PFF supremo after one year in office.

He wrote to the General Secretary: “I Syed Mohsen Gilani, bearing CNIC 61101-3695636-5 presently serving as the president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), hereby voluntarily, with my free will, tender my resignation from the said office, with effect from May 28, 2026.”

“This decision has been made after thoughtful and careful consideration of my increasing personal obligations. I have come to the conclusion that I may no longer be in a position to dedicate the requisite time, focus and impartial engagement that the esteemed office of the president demands. I deem it in the best interest of football of Pakistan to vacate the office.”

“In doing so, I place on record my abiding respect for the principles of democratic governance and institutional continuity enshrined in the PFF Constitution. Accordingly, I request that this communication be treated as my formal notice of resignation and that the necessary steps be undertaken forthwith to convene the appropriate meetings of the Executive Committee and the Congress for the purpose of initiating the election process on the vacant seat under article 90 of the Constitution. I remain available, if required, to assist in the transitional process or to provide institutional support that may be beneficial in upholding the stability and continuity of the federation’s operations.”

And Gilani also proposed the appointment of Shahid Niaz Khokhar as the PFF General Secretary.

“In accordance with the provisions outlined in the Constitution of the Pakistan Football Federation (2025), I am pleased to formally propose the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar bearing CNIC No. 35202-9147706-3 as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Football Federation.”

“Khokhar brings with him an extensive portfolio of experience in sports governance and organizational management. His longstanding involvement in football development provides him with a unique blend of administrative capability and footballing insight. He has previously held key leadership roles in both national and international football forums, showcasing his ability to manage complex organizational frameworks and drive meaningful reforms,” Gilani wrote.

“Moreover, his articulate understanding of FIFA, AFC, and PFF statutes, coupled with his proven record in promoting transparency and professionalism in football-related activities, makes him exceptionally well qualified to carry out the multifaceted responsibilities of the General Secretary.”

“It is in this context and with a view toward ensuring continued growth, integrity, and operational excellence in the affairs of the Federation, that I strongly recommend the endorsement of Mr. Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar for this position. I kindly urge the Executive Committee to formally approve his appointment in accordance with the relevant provisions of the PFF Constitution.”

However, this agreement has not been implemented by the allies concerned and Gilani is still acting as the PFF’s supremo.