An undated image of Pakistan males’s U17 soccer crew supervisor Arooj Sohail Butt. — Reporter
KARACHI: In a landmark step towards gender equality in sports activities, the Pakistan Soccer Federation (PFF) has appointed Arooj Sohail Butt as supervisor of the Pakistan males’s under-17 nationwide crew — the primary time within the nation’s soccer historical past {that a} girl has been assigned to handle a boys’ aspect on the nationwide and worldwide degree.
Butt, who has been serving as PFF’s safeguarding officer, is licensed in safeguarding by FIFA, the Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) and the South Asian Soccer Federation (SAFF).
She has been tasked with overseeing the under-17 squad because it prepares for the upcoming SAFF Championship and Asian qualifiers later this 12 months.
The PFF officers mentioned the appointment displays the federation’s dedication to constructing an inclusive {and professional} atmosphere that permits certified ladies to tackle management roles in soccer.
The transfer aligns with FIFA’s anti-discrimination stance and its directive for the total participation of ladies in any respect ranges of soccer governance, as outlined in its statutes and governance reforms adopted in 2016.
Whereas ladies have been concerned in soccer on the grassroots degree in Pakistan for years, their illustration in high-performance and decision-making positions has remained low, though in 2019, the PFF Normalisation Committee appointed Manizeh Zainli on the place of common secretary.
Officers say initiatives like this are geared toward breaking such boundaries and inspiring extra ladies to contribute in strategic and operational roles.
“This decision not only promotes gender equality but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding, professionalism and institutional excellence,” mentioned an official.
The appointment additionally highlights the PFF’s adherence to FIFA and AFC safeguarding requirements, guaranteeing the rights and well-being of minors within the sport are protected.
