A joint letter sent by sports bodies working under the umbrella of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has urged the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to implement its proposed measures “to protect the autonomy of national sports federations”. Review the risk.
The letter, signed by the leaders of 23 different sports federations, expressed serious concerns over the PSB’s proposed actions, which the federations say could undermine the independence of NSFs and violate the Olympic Charter. Rules laid down may be violated.
The letter said, “It has come to our knowledge that the Pakistan Sports Board is in the process of implementing rules and regulations that would compromise the autonomy of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) affiliated to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). can affect significantly.”
“These steps, as we understand, include the establishment of PSB Election Commission, adjudication of NSFs’ internal affairs and complaints by PSB, and powers of PSB to set up ad-hoc committees on NSFs.”
Federations also stressed that such measures were in direct conflict with the Olympic Charter, which emphasizes the importance of a governance structure free from outside interference.
The letter further referred to the International Olympic Committee’s 2021 communication, which clearly reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in NSFs’ governance and internal affairs.
“The IOC’s note and subsequent letter issued by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Co-ordination, Government of Pakistan emphasized that the governance of NSFs and government interference in internal affairs are against the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter. It’s a violation.” Adds letter.
The federations have called on the PSB to revise its actions in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the rules of international federations.
“We respectfully request the PSB to review the proposed measures to ensure they are in line with the Olympic Charter, IF [international federation] The letter emphasized to consult NSFs bylaws, constitution and IFs as well as NSFs to work jointly for the promotion and development of sports in Pakistan.
The federations warned that if their concerns were not addressed, they could be forced to take action to protect their sovereignty.
“If our request is not considered by the PSB, we, the NSFs, will be forced to take precautionary measures including disassociation from the PSB and the IOC to maintain our status as NSFs.”
He concluded the letter with a call for a cooperative approach to ensure the continued growth of sports in the country: “We are confident that the PSB will give due consideration to our request and maintain the autonomy and independence of the NSFs.” It will take necessary steps for the success of Pakistan’s participation in international competitions and the Olympic Movement.
The PSB has yet to publicly respond to the federation’s request.
A resolution was passed emphasizing that NSFs should be independent.
In a related development, during the POA General Council meeting held on 30 November 2024, a resolution was passed by the federations reiterating their commitment to the principles of autonomy enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
The resolution, which was adopted by national sports federations affiliated with the POA, emphasized that NSFs are autonomous bodies bound by the Olympic Charter and the rules of their respective international federations.
The resolution expressly opposed any outside interference in government, the electoral process, or the federal dispute resolution mechanism.
“The NSFs reaffirm their commitment to the principles of responsible autonomy enshrined in the Olympic Charter, the IF Rules, and the POA Constitution, and expressly reject any outside interference in their governance, electoral processes, or dispute resolution mechanisms. oppose,” the resolution reads.
The federations further expressed their respect for the Government of Pakistan, recognizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with government bodies, but stressed that accepting supervisory control from the PSB would undermine their International commitment will be jeopardized.
“Consequently, accepting any oversight or delegated control over NSFs by the Pakistan Sports Board would jeopardize our international affiliation, and compromise the recognition of our NSFs by our respective IFs,” the resolution said. .
The federations also announced that, in the event that PSBs enact rules and regulations that violate the Olympic Charter and the IFs’ rules, they will take safeguards to maintain their status as autonomous bodies. Will be forced.
“If the PSB enforces rules and regulations in violation of the Olympic Charter and rules of IFs, NSFs and POA, we compel the NSFs to take safeguards to maintain their status as NSFs in accordance with the Olympic Charter. will be done,” stressed the resolution.
The resolution also reaffirmed that elections already held by NSFs in accordance with their respective constitutions and recognized by international federations and POAs would remain valid, with future elections being conducted without external interference.
“NSF elections already conducted in accordance with their respective constitutions and recognized by the IFs and POAs shall remain valid and recognized until the fulfillment of their respective conditions,” the resolution said.
He reiterated his recognition of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the highest authority for sports disputes, rejecting the alternative dispute resolution mechanism imposed by the PSB.
“The NSFs reaffirm their recognition of the CAS as the highest appellate authority for sports disputes and reject any alternative dispute resolution procedures imposed by the PSB that violate the Olympic Charter, the IF Rules, and the POA is inconsistent with the Constitution,” the resolution concluded.
The resolution will be submitted to the IOC, IFs, and all relevant stakeholders for acknowledgment and official record.