KARACHI: Sports federations, under the umbrella of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), have written a joint letter to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), seeking a review of the proposed measures which they claim threaten the autonomy of national sports federations.
The letter, signed by leaders of 23 different sports federations, expressed serious concerns about the PSB’s proposed measures, which the federations argue could undermine the independence of the NSFs and violate the principles set out in the Olympic Charter.
“It has come to our attention that the Pakistan Sports Commission is in the process of enacting rules and regulations that may significantly affect the autonomy of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) affiliated to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA),” the letter said.
“These measures, as we understand them, include the establishment of a PSB election committee, the adjudication of internal matters and complaints within the NSFs by the PSB, and powers for the PSB to impose ad-hoc committees on the NSFs.”
The federations also pointed out that such actions are in direct conflict with the Olympic Charter, which emphasizes the importance of governance structures remaining free from outside interference.
The letter further refers to a 2021 announcement by the International Olympic Committee, which clearly reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the governance and internal affairs of the NSF.
“The IOC note and the subsequent letter issued by the Ministry of Interprovincial Coordination, Government of Pakistan, strongly emphasize that government interference in the governance and internal affairs of NSFs is a violation of the principles outlined in the Olympic Charter.” the letter adds.
The federations asked the PSB to review its measures, bringing them into line with the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the International Federations.
“We respectfully request that the PSB review the proposed measures to ensure they align with the Olympic Charter, IF [international federation] by-laws, establishment of NSFs and IFs, and consultation with NSFs to work collaboratively for the promotion and development of sports in Pakistan,” the letter urged.
The federations have warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they may be forced to take measures to protect their autonomy.
“In case our request is not heeded by the PSB, we, the NSFs, will be forced to take protective measures, including withdrawal from the PSB and the IOC, to retain our NSF status.”
They concluded the letter by calling for a collaborative approach to ensure the continued development of sports in the country: “We hope that the PSB will give due consideration to our request and take necessary steps to support the autonomy and independence of the NSFs, the which is fundamental to the success of Pakistan’s participation in international games and the Olympic Movement.”
The PSB has yet to publicly respond to the federations’ request.
The resolution passed emphasizing NSFs is autonomous
In a related development, during the meeting of the General Council of the WOC held on November 30, 2024, a resolution was approved by the federations that reiterated their commitment to the principles of autonomy as enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
The resolution, which was adopted by the National Sports Federations affiliated to the WFP, emphasizes that the NSFs are autonomous entities bound by the Olympic Charter and the statutes of their respective International Federations.
The resolution categorically opposed any outside interference in the federations’ governance, electoral processes or dispute resolution mechanisms.
“The NSF reaffirms its commitment to the principles of responsible autonomy enshrined in the Olympic Charter, the IF Bylaws and the POA Constitution, and strongly opposes any outside interference in its governance, electoral processes or dispute resolution mechanisms,” the statement said. resolution.
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 relationship.
“Consequently, any acceptance of supervisory or authoritative control by the Pakistan Sports Council over the NSFs would jeopardize our international relationship, jeopardizing the recognition of our NSFs by our respective IFs,” the resolution said.
The federations also stated that, should the PSB enact rules and regulations that conflict with the Olympic Charter and IF statutes, they will be forced to take protective measures to maintain their status as independent bodies.
“Should the PSB enact rules and regulations in violation of the Olympic Charter and the statutes of IFs, NSFs and POA, we NSFs will be forced to take protective measures to maintain our status as NSFs in accordance with the Olympic Charter. “, the resolution emphasizes.
The resolution also confirmed that elections already conducted by NSFs in accordance with their respective constitutions and recognized by International Federations and the POA will remain valid, with future elections conducted without outside interference.
“The elections of the NSS that have already been held in accordance with their respective statutes and have been recognized by the OP and the POA will remain valid and recognized until the completion of their respective terms,” the resolution states.
They also reiterated that they recognize the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the highest authority for sports disputes, rejecting any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms imposed by the PSB.
“The NSF confirms that it recognizes CAS as the highest appellate authority for sports disputes and rejects any PSB-imposed alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that conflict with the Olympic Charter, the IF Statute and the POA Constitution,” the statement concludes. resolution.
The resolution will be submitted to the IOC, EOs and all interested parties for acknowledgment and official record.
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