KARACHI: The world football governing body, FIFA, has given a final ultimatum to authorities in Pakistan to hand over football affairs to elected-president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat or face suspension from membership. An official of FIFA has confirmed that matters related to Pakistan Football Federation were discussed at the meeting of its Members’ Association Committee on July 4th. “The committee pointed out that, while the court proceedings are still ongoing, the court appointed administrator continues to occupy the PFF offices and to control its accounts,” the FIFA spokesman was quoted as saying. “Therefore, the committee decided that if the PFF offices and access to the PFF accounts aren’t returned to the PFF leadership – led by Mr Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat – by 31 July, it would recommend to the FIFA Council to suspend the PFF for contravening its obligations under articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA statutes,” the spokesman added. Faisal was re-elected as president of PFF for a third time in a controversial election in June 2015, but he was never allowed to resume charge and the matters were dragged in court, which the FIFA terms as against its statues. The article 19 of FIFA statues directly deals with independence of elected national federations.

“Each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties,” reads article 19.1 of the FIFA’s statue.

The tussle between two different factions of the Pakistan Football Federation has forced footballers in the country to remain stranded without any activity. The country hasn’t been able to take part in any international tournament since mid-2015 and its international ranking has continuously been falling. This is not the first time that FIFA has directly intervened in matters of Pakistan football. It earlier warned Pakistan authorities of the same while also acknowledging shortcomings in the Faisal-led-PFF constitution. In September 2015, the world body, while recognizing Faisal as president of PFF, had recommended PFF to revise its statutes, reform disciplinary bodies, and hold new elections in two years.

Published in Daily Times, July 13th , 2017.