Federations sponsorships, donations to be monitored

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has decided to spend official funds only on approved/recognised athletes and officials and at the same time has decided to monitor sponsorships and donations coming directly in federations’ kitty.

The PSB has officially enforced the “Sports Funding Regulations 2025” aimed at ensuring the transparent and performance-based utilisation of government funds. According to the regulations, submission of annual performance reports, action plans, and budget estimates are mandatory to get funding. Moreover, the funds will only be spent on approved athletes and officials.

As per the regulations, the PSB reserves the right to conduct financial inspections or audits at any time, while the Auditor General of Pakistan may also audit grants-in-aid. “Federations are required to operate their bank accounts under dual signatories and must declare all financial sources, including sponsorships and donations, to the Board.”

DG PSB Muhammad Yasir Pirzada stated, “The aim of the Sports Funding Regulations 2025 is to ensure the transparent, efficient, and performance-driven use of public funds. Through these regulations, we seek to promote a culture of merit, accountability, and equitable distribution in sports.”

All payments under these regulations must be made via crossed cheques or electronic transfer, and cash payments exceeding Rs25,000 are prohibited. “Any additional expenses due to extended stays must be personally borne by the individuals or institutions concerned.”

Each federation must undergo an annual audit by a registered auditor and publish the audit report publicly. Additionally, procurement must follow competitive quotation processes to ensure transparency.

If any federation fails to utilize the full amount of funds for an event, it is obligated to return the remaining amount within 30 days, unless written approval is obtained from the Board. The PSB has made it clear that misuse of funds, submission of inadequate or suspicious documentation, or violation of regulations may result in suspension of future funding, disciplinary action, or even blacklisting of the respective federation or individual.

As per the regulations, grant approval remains at the discretion of PSB and cannot be claimed as a right by any federation. The Board reserves the authority to modify, relax, or impose additional conditions based on national interest, equity, or sports representation.

“Previous notifications, policies, and instructions stand nullified with the implementation of the new regulations. However, financial assistance already provided under earlier rules shall remain valid.”