According to officials, the PHF released the schedule without prior consultation or approval from the PSB, which is the governing authority for sports in Pakistan. The PSB stated that such unilateral actions are creating confusion among stakeholders and could seriously undermine the transparency of the scrutiny process
DNA
Islamabad: A fresh controversy has erupted between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) over the scrutiny of hockey clubs across the country. The PSB has strongly rejected the unilateral scrutiny schedule issued by the PHF, declaring it invalid and unacceptable.
According to officials, the PHF released the schedule without prior consultation or approval from the PSB, which is the governing authority for sports in Pakistan. The PSB stated that such unilateral actions are creating confusion among stakeholders and could seriously undermine the transparency of the scrutiny process.
The PSB emphasized that the scrutiny of hockey clubs falls strictly under its jurisdiction and supervision. Any attempt by the PHF to bypass this authority will not be tolerated. The board further warned that the federation must issue an immediate clarification regarding its actions and align its procedures with the rules and regulations set by the PSB.
Officials highlighted that the scrutiny process is critical for ensuring fair representation of clubs in hockey elections and for maintaining credibility in the sport’s governance. They cautioned that unilateral steps by the PHF could damage trust among clubs and stakeholders, ultimately affecting the future of hockey in Pakistan.
The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between the PSB and PHF, with governance and transparency issues repeatedly surfacing in recent years. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent dialogue to resolve the matter and safeguard the integrity of Pakistan’s national sport.
As the situation develops, the spotlight remains on whether the PHF will comply with PSB directives or continue to pursue its own course, risking further confrontation with the country’s top sports regulatory body.
It is worth mentioning that several clubs had already voiced concerns regarding the scrutiny process conducted a few days ago. According to these clubs, voting rights and in some cases even playing rights have been granted to clubs they believe are undeserving, raising serious questions about fairness and transparency in the procedure.
