Karachi: Sindh Olympic Association SOA’s secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput said that although the Pakistan Sports Board PSB’s decision to suspend Pakistan Olympic Association POA and provincial associations will have no direct consequence but such statements from a government department will spoil the image of Pakistan in the world.

“International Olympic Committee IOC has made it crystal clear in the past that it will not allow government or political interference in sports of any country. IOC has shown its muscles by suspending Indian Olympics Association’s affiliation. They could do the same with Pakistan if governmental departments try to interfere in sports,” Ahmed told PPI.

PSB has claimed to have suspended POA and has instated an adhoc committee.

But Ahmed said that PSB’s ban will not directly affect the POA or provincial associations.

“POA is affiliated directly with IOA and provincial associations are affiliated with POA. Only IOA could suspend POA and POA could suspend provincial associations. POA and other provincial associations will continue to function as they don’t fall under the jurisdiction of PSB,” he explained.

However, he admitted that PSB’s such attitude could blacklist Pakistan internationally.

“IOA doesn’t allow any governmental or political interference in sports of any country. Such situation in Pakistan could compel the international body to suspend Pakistan as well as they have already done with India. If it happens then our players would not be able to participate in any international sports tournament in the world,” he explained.

POA chief Arif Hasan has also termed the suspension and instating adhoc committee as ‘illegal’ as the association does not fall under the jurisdiction of PSB.

World Badminton Federation has in the past suspended Pakistan Badminton Federation PBF because of the infightings within the national federation. The ban deprived Pakistani shutlers from competing in the international tournaments.