KARACHI – In a first for Pakistan’s football history, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has appointed Arooj Sohail Butt as the manager of the Pakistan men’s Under-17 national football team.
This marks the first time a woman will manage a boys team at the national and international level. The appointment comes as the squad prepares for the SAFF U-17 Championship and Asian qualifiers later this year.
From Safeguarding Officer to Team Manager
Arooj has been serving as PFF’s safeguarding officer and is certified in safeguarding by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).
Her new role will involve overseeing the U-17 squad’s operations, welfare and preparation for upcoming tournaments while ensuring adherence to international safeguarding standards.
PFF Push for Inclusive Leadership
PFF officials say the move reflects the federation’s commitment to building a professional and inclusive football environment in Pakistan where qualified women can hold leadership positions in the men’s game.
“This decision not only promotes gender equality but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding, professionalism and institutional excellence,” a PFF spokesperson said.
Alignment with FIFA Governance Reforms
The appointment aligns with FIFA’s anti-discrimination policy and the governance reforms adopted in 2016 which call for full participation of women at all levels of football administration and decision-making.
While women have long been active in grassroots football in Pakistan, their presence in high-performance and operational roles remains limited. In 2019, the PFF Normalisation Committee appointed Manizeh Zainli as general secretary, a rare example of women in top football administration.
Breaking Barriers for Women in Sport
Officials say this move is intended to inspire more women to take on strategic and operational roles in football especially in male-dominated divisions.
“This is about breaking barriers,” one official said. “We want to encourage more women to contribute to the development and management of the sport at every level.”
Upcoming Tournaments
The Pakistan men’s U-17 team is scheduled to compete in:
- SAFF U-17 Championship 2025 – later this year
- Asian U-17 Qualifiers – dates to be announced
Arooj’s leadership will be tested as she manages the team through two high-profile regional events that serve as a platform for future national stars.
