17 Jul 2012

Political dispute threatens Pakistan's Olympic hopes

10:20 am on 17 July 2012

A dispute between the Pakistan Olympic Association and the state-operated Pakistan Sports Board could threaten the country's participation in London 2012.

The row over a national sports policy will be discussed at the International Olympic Committee Executive Board meeting this week.

The dispute intensified after the PSB said it stood firm over the implementation of a 2005 national sports policy which bars officials of sporting federations from holding office for a third term.

The POA has argued the IOC charter prevents the government from meddling in national federations affiliated to the POA and that it had to ensure compliance with the Olympic Charter and maintain its autonomous status.

But a government sports official has played down fears of Pakistan being blocked from the London Games saying the IOC has neither warned nor threatened Pakistan with suspension of the country's Olympic membership.