Pakistan’s sports governance is on the brink of a major crisis as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) implements reforms aimed at increasing its control over National Sports Federations (NSFs).
The measures, introduced via three key notifications available on the PSB website, have sparked criticism from the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and affiliated federations, who argue that these steps undermine their autonomy and contravene international norms.
The reforms include new election regulations, a Code of Ethics and Governance, and a Model Constitution for federations.
PSB officials defend these steps as essential for enhancing governance, ensuring transparency, and eliminating malpractice in Pakistan’s sports sector.
However, critics contend that the reforms violate international sports statutes and threaten the independence of federations.
Under the new Sports Election Regulations, the PSB has centralized the electoral process for NSFs.
An independent Election Commission, formed by the PSB, will oversee the scrutiny of club memberships, finalize voter lists, and manage the election process.
According to the PSB, these elections must be completed within 120 days, with disputes resolved by an Election Tribunal established under the same framework.
“The entire election process, from club scrutiny to NSF elections, will be completed within 120 days,” stated the notification.
The Director General of the PSB also holds the authority to mandate elections in any federation.
Despite these assurances, the POA and 23 federations have opposed the regulations.
In a collective letter, they argued that the measures violate international sports laws and interfere with their autonomy.
“Every federation operates under the rules of its respective international governing body, and interference by the PSB violates these frameworks,” the federations had said.
The newly introduced Code of Ethics and Governance aims to tackle unethical practices such as match-fixing, corruption, age fraud, doping, harassment, and human trafficking.
Violators face strict penalties, including verbal and written warnings, bans ranging from one to ten years, and lifetime bans for severe infractions.
In extreme cases, the PSB reserves the right to suspend or disaffiliate federations, cutting them off from government funding and infrastructure.
“The Code underscores our commitment to maintaining ethical standards in sports and ensuring accountability,” said the notifications.
Cases involving criminal misconduct will be referred to relevant investigative agencies, the notification added.
The PSB has also directed NSFs to adopt a Model Constitution aligned with international standards and Pakistan’s National Sports Policy. While the PSB insists this will enhance transparency and accountability, many federations remain skeptical.
“This approach jeopardizes the autonomy we need to function effectively,” a senior federation official said.
The POA has been particularly vocal in its opposition, warning that these measures could lead to international repercussions.
“We were aware of what the PSB was planning. Although we have not yet received the official notification, all sports bodies have decided to seek advice from their respective international federations and will act accordingly,” said an official from one sports federation, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.