POA advisor directed to hold PFA, PFF polls

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan settled long standing political angling in the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) once and for all, directing the Pakistan Olympics Association’s (POA) legal advisor to conduct/oversee elections of the Punjab Football Association before moving ahead.

Putting an end to all speculations, the august court on Tuesday — while hearing the petition against PFF deputed Ali Raza, counsel to POA — directed him to conduct/oversee PFA elections within next fortnight and submit the report with the court.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and included Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan also directed Ali Raza to oversee PFF elections.The bench was of the view that the elections should be conducted in a way which could ensure Pakistan’s participation in all international events abroad.

Later talking to ‘The News’, PFF President Faisal Saleh Hayat thanked the Supreme Court for handling the matter in best interest of football in the country.“It is a big day for football in particular and sports in general as Supreme Court have given clear directions of settling the matter according to the rules. The decision is a decisive blow to all those forces which have been working against the game for the last few years.

“We have already lost very precious time to develop football in the country. Today’s decision would set the benchmark for future of sports in the country,” Faisal said.He termed the decision as historic one, saying that it was the decisive blow to all those forces which were up for personal gains. “I am really grateful to the Supreme Court for discouraging those elements which only believe in politics and seek personnel gains and interests.”

He said that these elements were not only seeking his disqualification but also wanted handpicked election panels to conduct Punjab and national elections. “All their expectations met dead end and now only those having the support of genuine units would get the chance to serve the game.”

Faisal made it clear that now when the august court had upheld the sanctity of the game, there were no fears for any international ban. “FIFA is game’s governing body and it would be a matter of pleasure for them to hear such development in Pakistan.”