The past few days have been eventful for Pakistan football, with tensions escalating between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Football Federation Normalization Committee (PFF-NC). The conflict stems from differences over the governance and constitutional amendments proposed by FIFA’s appointed PFF-NC. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the unfolding saga.
The PFF Extraordinary Congress: A Call for Constitutional Amendments
The controversy began with the announcement by the PFF-NC of an Extraordinary Congress to be held on November 19, 2024, in Lahore. According to a letter issued by the PFF-NC, the meeting aimed to address amendments to the PFF Constitution (2014) as directed by FIFA on March 14, 2024. The primary agenda was to revise Article 38 of the PFF Statutes, which currently restricts the eligibility criteria for candidates contesting the PFF presidency.
This meeting held significance as it was a prerequisite for holding the Elective Congress scheduled for December 9, 2024. Invitations were sent to the 26 members of the PFF Congress, which include representatives from all four provinces, various departments like the Army, Navy, and WAPDA, as well as women and referees.
PSB Declares Extraordinary Congress Call Illegal
On November 11, 2024, the PSB intervened, opposing the PFF-NC’s decision to hold the Extraordinary Congress. In a strongly worded letter to PFF-NC Chairman Haroon Malik, the PSB termed the proposed amendments as a conflict of interest, accusing Malik of attempting to position himself for the PFF presidency.
The PSB argued that the PFF-NC’s mandate was restricted to conducting elections and not making policy decisions. Furthermore, the PSB raised concerns about the validity of the FIFA Council’s letter cited by the PFF-NC and objected to Malik’s portrayal of himself as the PFF President.
PFF-NC’s Defense: Constitutional Autonomy
In response, the PFF-NC invoked its constitutional right to autonomy, emphasizing its independence from external interference. The NC argued that it is obligated to preserve the federation’s autonomy as mandated by FIFA and AFC statutes.
The PFF-NC expressed dissatisfaction with the PSB’s attempts to overstep its jurisdiction, stating that grievances related to football governance should be directed to the PFF-NC and not the PSB. The NC viewed the PSB’s actions as a direct violation of the principles of non-interference.
PSB Fires Back with Another Response
Unfazed by the PFF-NC’s defense, the PSB issued another sharp rebuttal. This time, the board accused the NC of issuing misleading statements and failing to address key concerns.
One major objection was the NC’s failure to notify the successful candidates of the Provincial Football Associations before calling the Congress meeting. The PSB also criticized Malik for misrepresenting himself as the PFF Chairman. Quoting the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020, the PSB argued that autonomy should be exercised responsibly, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Additionally, the PSB summoned NC officials to appear before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination on November 19, 2024, to clarify their actions.
Congress Members Revealed Amid Controversy
Despite the mounting opposition, the PFF-NC released the names of the 23 Congress members invited to the Extraordinary Congress. This list included:
- Provincial representatives: Three each from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Departmental representatives: Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, WAPDA, Railways, PIA, and HEC.
- Other representatives: One vote each for the Women’s Champion team and the Referees Association.
The remaining three women representatives were to be elected on December 9, during the Elective Congress, completing the 26-member body.
PFF Extraordinary Congress on 19 November
FIFA, AFC, and PFF-NC Workshop: The Constitution Review
A day before the scheduled Congress meeting, representatives from FIFA, AFC, and PFF-NC convened in Lahore for a constitution review workshop. FIFA officials, including Rolf Tanner, were joined by AFC delegates and key PFF-NC members.
FIFA proposed easing the eligibility criteria for the PFF presidency, suggesting that any football-related individual nominated by a Congress member could run for the position. However, this proposal faced resistance from the Congress members, who favored retaining the existing clause that restricts candidacy to Congress members.
Another point of contention was Haroon Malik’s unilateral appointment of three women Congress members, a move criticized as exceeding his authority. The workshop concluded without consensus, leaving key issues unresolved.
The Last-Minute Postponement of the Extraordinary Congress
On November 19, 2024, the much-anticipated Extraordinary Congress was postponed at the eleventh hour. The delay came after an unexpected protest by representatives from the Pakistan Air Force, Navy, and Police, who were not officially invited but insisted on participating.
The ensuing chaos forced FIFA and PFF-NC officials to call off the meeting. The Congress was supposed to address amendments to Article 38, with FIFA, AFC, and NC officials advocating for the changes, while elected Congress members and the PSB remained firmly opposed.
The amendments to the specified clause of the PFF Constitution, along with the federation’s elections, must be completed by December 15, 2024. This deadline coincides with the expiration of the PFF NC’s mandate, initially assigned by FIFA in September 2019. However, with the recent postponement of the meeting, the future of Pakistan football governance hangs in uncertainty.
PFF Extraordinary Congress postponed as parliamentary panel raps NC
The Road Ahead: Uncertainty Looms
The standoff has left Pakistan football in a precarious state. The proposed amendments, backed by FIFA and AFC, are seen as crucial for modernizing the PFF’s governance. However, the resistance from the PSB and the newly-elected congress members underscores the deep divisions within Pakistan football’s ecosystem.
As stakeholders prepare for the next chapter in this saga, the fate of the Extraordinary Congress and the future of Pakistan football governance hang in the balance. Will FIFA’s vision prevail, or will domestic resistance shape the path forward?
This is a developing story. Stay Tuned!