In a significant development for football in Pakistan, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani met with Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan, to discuss strategic cooperation aimed at revitalizing the sport in the country. The meeting, held on February 20, 2026, focused on establishing a structured partnership that emphasizes grassroots development, technical training, and infrastructure improvement. Gilani expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "Pakistan has immense football talent. Our focus is to strengthen grassroots structures, improve coaching standards, upgrade infrastructure and provide international exposure to young players." He highlighted the federation's comprehensive plan to promote football from grassroots to professional levels nationwide, aiming to elevate Pakistan's status in the global football arena.