Measures proposed by the PSB to affect autonomy, say sports federations

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has been asked to review proposed measures “threatening the autonomy of national sports federations” in a joint letter sent by sports bodies working under the umbrella of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA ).

The letter, signed by the leaders of 23 different sports federations, expressed serious concerns about the measures proposed by the PSB, which the federations said could undermine the independence of the NSFs and violate the principles set out in the Olympic Charter.

“We have noticed that the Pakistan Sports Council is in the process of promulgating rules and regulations which may significantly affect the autonomy of the National Sports Federations (NSF) affiliated to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA)” , says the letter.

“These measures, from what we understand, include the establishment of a PSB Election Commission, the resolution of internal issues and complaints within the NSF by the PSB, and the powers of the PSB to impose ad hoc committees to the NSF.”

The federations also stressed that such actions were in direct conflict with the Olympic Charter, which emphasizes the importance of governance structures remaining free from external interference.

The letter further referenced a 2021 communication from the International Olympic Committee, which clearly reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the governance and internal affairs of the NSFs.

“The IOC note and subsequent letter issued by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination of the Government of Pakistan strongly emphasized that government interference in the governance and internal affairs of the NSFs constitutes a violation of the principles set out in the Olympic Charter” , declared the IOC. » adds the letter.

The federations asked the PSB to reconsider its measures, aligning them with the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the international federations.

“We respectfully request the PSB to review the proposed measures to ensure that they are consistent with the Olympic Charter, the IF (International Federations) Statutes, the NSF and IF Constitution, as well as to hold consultations with the FNS to work collaboratively for the promotion and development of sports in Pakistan,” the letter insists.

The federations have warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they could be forced to take action to protect their autonomy.

“If our request is not considered by the PSB, we, the NSF, will be forced to take protective measures, including disaffiliation from the PSB and the IOC, to maintain our NSF status.”

They concluded the letter by calling for a cooperative approach to ensure the continued growth of the sport in the country: “We are confident that the PSB will give due consideration to our request and take necessary measures to maintain the autonomy and independence of the FNS, which are fundamental to the success of Pakistan’s participation in international competitions and the Olympic Movement.

The PSB has not yet publicly responded to the federations’ request.

Resolution adopted emphasizing the autonomy of the NSFs

In the same vein, during the meeting of the General Council of the POA held on November 30, 2024, a resolution was adopted by the federations reiterating their commitment to the principles of autonomy as enshrined in the Olympic Charter.

The resolution, adopted by the national sports federations affiliated to the POA, emphasized that the NSFs are autonomous entities bound by the Olympic Charter and the statutes of their respective international federations.

The resolution categorically opposes any external interference in the governance, electoral processes or dispute resolution mechanisms of the federations.

“The NSFs reaffirm their commitment to the principles of responsible autonomy enshrined in the Olympic Charter, the IF Statutes and the POA Constitution, and categorically oppose any external interference in their governance, electoral processes or voting mechanisms. dispute resolution,” the resolution states.

The federations further expressed their respect for the Government of Pakistan, recognizing the importance of maintaining harmonious relations with government institutions, but stressed that any acceptance of supervisory control by the PSB would jeopardize their international affiliation.

“Therefore, any acceptance of supervisory or authoritative control by the Pakistan Sports Council over the NSFs would jeopardize our international affiliation, jeopardizing the recognition of our NSFs by our respective IFs,” the resolution said. .

The federations also declared that, in the event that the PSB adopted rules and regulations contrary to the Olympic Charter and the IF statutes, they would be obliged to take protective measures to maintain their status as independent bodies.

“In the event that the PSB promulgates rules and regulations in violation of the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the IFs, the NSFs and the POA, we, the NSFs, will be obliged to take protective measures to maintain our status as an NSF in accordance with the Olympic Charter”, “, underlines the resolution.

The resolution also affirmed that elections already organized by the NSFs in accordance with their respective constitutions and recognized by the international federations and the POA would remain valid, with future elections to take place without external interference.

“The elections of the NSFs which have already been organized in accordance with their respective constitutions and which have been recognized by the IFs and the POA will remain valid and recognized until the end of their respective mandates,” the resolution states.

They also reiterated their recognition of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the highest authority in sports disputes, rejecting any alternative dispute resolution mechanism imposed by the PSB.

“The FNS reaffirms its recognition of the CAS as the highest appellate authority for sporting disputes and rejects any alternative dispute resolution mechanism imposed by the PSB which conflicts with the Olympic Charter, the IF Statutes and the Constitution of the POA,” concludes the resolution.

The resolution will be submitted to the IOC, IFs and all relevant stakeholders for recognition and official registration.