For the first time in Pakistan’s football history, a woman has been chosen to manage a boys’ team. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has appointed Urooj Sohail Butt as the manager of the Pakistan Under-17 football team.
Urooj Sohail Butt is currently serving as a Safeguarding Officer with the PFF and is certified by both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in safeguarding. Her expertise focuses on ensuring player safety, welfare, and fair treatment, making her a trusted figure in sports management.
The PFF explained that this appointment follows FIFA’s policy of promoting equal opportunities in football for all, regardless of gender. It reflects the growing recognition of women’s ability to lead in sports and is expected to inspire more female involvement in football at every level.
Under her leadership, the Pakistan Under-17 team will take part in two key competitions later this year — the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship and the Asian Qualifiers. These tournaments will provide young players with valuable international exposure and a chance to prove their skills on a larger stage.
Urooj’s selection is being seen as a significant step forward for gender representation in sports leadership within Pakistan. It sets an important precedent, showing that leadership positions in football are determined by talent and capability, not gender.
This information is based on publicly available sources. The image shared is AI-generated and meant only for illustrative purposes.
