Renewed Tensions with IOC
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is on a potential collision course with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as it moves to assert greater control over national sports federations. This initiative violates the IOC Charter and risks subjecting Pakistan’s sporting bodies to international sanctions.
A similar situation arose in 2014 when government interference almost led to Pakistan’s suspension from the IOC. The crisis was narrowly averted when the government assured the IOC it would respect the independence of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).
Proposals Spark Controversy
The controversy stems from a letter sent by the PSB to national sports federations, proposing sweeping changes to their election processes. A meeting scheduled for November 28 in Islamabad will seek approval for measures including:
- Granting the PSB authority to oversee federation elections.
- Empowering the PSB to appoint adjudicators for election disputes.
- Creating ad-hoc committees as deemed necessary by the PSB.
- Adopting a uniform model constitution for all federations.
These actions echo past government measures that placed Pakistan’s sports at risk of international isolation.
History of Sanctions and Warnings
Since 2012, multiple national federations have faced bans from their international governing bodies due to state interference. In 2021, the IOC explicitly warned Pakistan against involving government-appointed bodies in sports elections, further emphasizing its stance on federation autonomy.
While the government temporarily shelved plans for a government-controlled election commission in response to these warnings, the PSB now appears to be moving forward, citing earlier cabinet approvals that were never formally ratified.
Political Influence Behind PSB’s Actions
Insiders suggest that influential figures in Pakistan’s political and social spheres are driving the push for greater control over sports federations. These individuals have allegedly lobbied top officials to exert influence over the PSB, leaving the board under pressure to comply with their demands.
A former senior PSB official highlighted the precarious position of the federations. “The PSB is constrained by political pressures, often forced to act against international guidelines,” the official noted. “This not only undermines the federations but also places the country at risk of alienation from the global sports community.”
Potential Consequences for Pakistan
If the PSB’s proposals are adopted, national federations could face sanctions or bans from their international governing bodies. These organisations, bound by the IOC Charter, require member federations to maintain independence from government control.
As the November 28 meeting approaches, Pakistan’s sporting future hangs in the balance, with the risk of significant fallout from these decisions.
