PSB says its role in federations’ polls is of observer

KARACHI: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) told the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday that its role in the elections of federations was that of an observer.

The PSB was represented by experienced lawyer Muneer Paracha. A division bench comprising Justice Jawad Hasan and Justice Ayesha Malik is hearing the case.The PFF was represented by Asma Jehangir and Afzal Khan, while the rival group was represented by Chaudhry Zulfiqar.

The case will next be heard on December 15. Asma focussed on the entity of the PFF as a private body. It is pertinent to mention here that a division bench had given its verdict on February 4, 2017. The rival group appealed to the Supreme Court to hold elections. The Supreme Court set aside the LHC double bench judgement and referred the case back to it with instructions to decide it on merit.

Because of the conflict between two groups of officials, the FIFA suspended the PFF last month, saying that unless football headquarters in Lahore and the accounts were handed over to the federation, the suspension would not be lifted. No Pakistan team has toured abroad since April 2015 because of the conflict. The country has also failed to hold its Premier Leagues twice.