The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially declared the franchise Pakistan Football League, scheduled for next month, as unconstitutional. In a strongly worded statement, the PFF emphasized that the federation has not sanctioned the event and asserted its exclusive authority over football affairs in Pakistan.
PFF’s Official Stance
The PFF’s statement unequivocally states that the federation, under the banners of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is the sole governing body responsible for overseeing and managing all football activities in the country. The statement reads, “Under the rights granted by FIFA, only the PFF is authorized to decide on all football activities, including their schedules and venues.”
The federation’s position is supported by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), which issued an order on September 9, 2014, confirming that the government recognizes and supports only those federations that operate under international bodies. This endorsement further solidifies the PFF’s stance as the legitimate authority for football in Pakistan.
Violation of PFF Constitution
The PFF highlighted that organizing any football event without its approval constitutes a breach of Article 82 of the PFF Constitution. The article outlines the regulations for organizing football-related activities in the country and ensures that all such activities comply with international standards and the governing body’s rules. “Holding any event without the approval of the PFF is a violation of Article 82 of the Constitution and will face disciplinary action,” the statement warned.
The PFF has made it clear that any unauthorized event would be subject to disciplinary measures, which could include sanctions against organizers and participants. The federation’s strict stance aims to maintain order and integrity within the sport, ensuring that all activities are properly regulated and aligned with international football governance.
Commitment to Football Development
Despite its firm stance on unauthorized events, the PFF expressed its willingness to support initiatives that genuinely contribute to the promotion and development of football in Pakistan. The statement indicated that the federation is open to approving projects that align with its objectives and standards. “Any project that will contribute genuinely to the promotion of football in the country will be encouraged, provided it is approved first,” the PFF affirmed.
This conditional support underscores the PFF’s commitment to fostering a thriving football environment in Pakistan, while also ensuring that such developments occur within the framework of the federation’s governance.
Pakistan’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Preparation
In addition to addressing the issue of the unauthorized league, the PFF provided an update on the national team’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The squad has entered the final stages of preparation, reflecting the federation’s ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan’s presence on the international football stage.
Implications for the Franchise League
The declaration of the franchise Pakistan Football League as unconstitutional has significant implications for the organizers and stakeholders involved. Without the PFF’s sanction, the event cannot proceed legitimately, and any attempt to do so could lead to serious repercussions, including potential legal challenges and sanctions from both national and international football governing bodies.
The PFF’s assertion of its authority is a clear message to all parties involved in football activities within Pakistan. It serves as a reminder that adherence to established regulations and cooperation with the federation is essential for the successful and legitimate development of the sport.
The PFF’s decision to declare the upcoming franchise Pakistan Football League as unconstitutional reinforces the federation’s role as the sole governing body for football in Pakistan. By asserting its authority and emphasizing the need for adherence to its constitution, the PFF aims to maintain order and integrity within the sport. While open to supporting initiatives that promote football, the federation insists that all such projects must first receive its approval.
As the national team gears up for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the PFF’s focus remains on fostering a robust and compliant football environment in Pakistan, ensuring that all activities contribute positively to the sport’s development within the framework of international governance.
