KARACHI: Pakistan’s sports governance is bracing for a future crisis in light of the Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) measures to tighten control over National Sports Federations (NSFs).
The reforms, introduced through three key notifications, available on the PSB website, are likely to spark a backlash from the Pakistan Olympic Association and affiliated federations, which argue the steps threaten autonomy and violate international rules.
The PSB’s move includes enforcement of electoral regulations, a new Code of Conduct and Governance and a Model Constitution for federations.
Officials of the body have described these steps as critical to improve governance, ensure transparency and eradicate malpractices in the country’s sports sector. However, critics argue that these steps are a breach of international sporting statutes.
The Sports Electoral Regulation aims to centralize the electoral processes under the supervision of an independent Electoral Commission constituted by the PSB. This body is tasked with overseeing the audit of club members and finalizing electoral rolls, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
According to the notification, the director general of PSB can award elections to any federation, while disputes arising out of such elections will be resolved by an election tribunal that will also be constituted under the PSB.
“The entire election process, from scrutiny of clubs to NSF elections, will be completed within 120 days,” the notification said, with the election tribunal empowered to resolve objections and disputes.
While the PSB insists these measures will improve efficiency, the POA and member federations see them as an overreach. In a letter sent last month, the 23 confederations said any such measures by the PSB would violate international sporting laws and interfere with their autonomy.
“Each confederation operates under the rules of its respective international governing body and the PSB’s intervention violates those frameworks,” they noted.
In addition to the electoral regulations, there is also an introduction of the Code of Conduct and Governance which addresses unethical practices such as match-fixing, corruption, age fraud, doping, harassment and human trafficking.
Offenders face severe penalties, including verbal and written reprimands, temporary bans ranging from one to ten years, and lifetime bans for most serious offenses.
Meanwhile, the PSB also retains the power to suspend or disconnect entire federations in extreme cases, making them ineligible for government funding and access to infrastructure.
“The Code underlines our commitment to maintaining ethical standards in sport and ensuring accountability,” the release said.
In addition, cases involving criminal behavior will be referred to the appropriate investigative authorities, the notification added.
In addition, the PSB has asked the NSFs to adopt a ‘Model Constitution’ designed to align governance structures with international standards and the country’s National Sports Policy.
While the PSB argues that these measures will enhance transparency and accountability, sports federations remain wary.
“This approach compromises the autonomy we need to operate effectively,” observed a senior federation official.
The POA was particularly vocal in its opposition, warning that these measures could lead to Pakistan facing serious consequences on the international sporting stage.
“We knew what PSB was planning. Although till now we have not received the notification [but] All sports bodies have already decided to seek advice from their respective international federations and will act accordingly,” a sports federation official said on condition of anonymity.
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