In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral football relations and accelerating the development of the sport, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing technical, administrative, women’s football and futsal development.
The agreement was formally signed at the Bahrain Football Association headquarters in Riffa by Chairman of the BFA Board of Directors, His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and PFF President Syed Mohsin Gilani, in the presence of BFA Secretary-General Mr. Rashid Al-Zoubi.
The strategic partnership establishes a clear roadmap for collaboration between the two federations across a wide range of football-related areas. A key focus of the agreement is the technical development of national teams and age-group squads, with provisions for organizing joint training camps, friendly matches and talent development initiatives to help prepare teams for regional and international competitions.
In addition, the MoU places strong emphasis on refereeing development, as well as the improvement of administrative and technical standards. This will be achieved through the organization of training courses, capacity-building programs and specialized workshops, ensuring alignment with international best practices. The agreement also includes the exchange of legal and regulatory expertise related to the governance and internal operations of football federations.
A notable feature of the partnership is its commitment to the growth and promotion of women’s football. Both federations agreed to collaborate on integrated development programs aimed at increasing participation, improving technical standards and strengthening professionalism within the women’s game. The MoU also outlines targeted efforts to support the development of futsal, recognizing its growing importance and potential as a complementary discipline within the football ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasized that the agreement reflects Bahrain’s commitment to building strong and sustainable partnerships with fellow Asian federations. He noted that such cooperation would serve mutual interests and contribute positively to the overall growth of football across the region.
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the presidents of both federations toured the National Sports Performance Center at the BFA headquarters. Established with support from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced technology and modern infrastructure designed to support the development of players, coaches and support staff.
During the visit, Syed Mohsin Gilani lauded the impressive progress made by Bahraini football, particularly highlighting the advanced facilities and structured approach to player and coach development. “The signing of this memorandum marks a milestone in football cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain, laying a solid foundation for long-term collaboration in technical excellence, administration, grassroots development, women’s football and futsal, while strengthening ties between the two footballing nations,” remarked Mohsen Gilani.