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IOC gives detailed verdict through its resolution to all International Federations Back To Main

Press Release - POA Secretariat

LAHORE–22 January 2013–The International Olympic Committee (IOC) after its meeting with the President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Arif Hasan, HI(M) and the IOC Member from Pakistan Syed Shahid Ali has given its detailed verdict through its resolutions, which unambiguously endorses the POA’s previously stated stance as well as defining its status.

Subsequently through its letter to the POA President and Secretary General (Pl find scanned copies in attachments, the news of which is also available on the IOC’s official web site –www.olympic.org) it has reaffirmed its previous resolutions/decisions/findings with regards to the Gen. Arif’s POA’s standing with the IOC and its exclusive rights on the Olympic Movement in Pakistan.

In a separate letter addressed to ‘All International Olympic Summer Games Sports Federations’, defining the future course of action: “Kindly request that each IF [International Federation] makes sure that its member federation in Pakistan adheres to the bottom line agreed upon during this joint meeting of 15 February 2013 and does not associate itself with any action or activity which would go against the Olympic Charter and the principles which govern the Olympic Movement.”

The IOC resolution the POA: “the IOC Member Syed Ali and President POA Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Arif Hasan will work in close collaboration to ensure that the above noted resolutions of this meeting are respected and implemented by all entities and individuals who desire to be part of the Olympic Movement in Pakistan.”

With regards to the standing of POA and with regards to the Pakistan government, the IOC summary states: “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) met today in Lausanne with IOC member Syed Shahid Ali and the President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Lt Gen. (Retired) Syed Arif Hasan. 

“During this meeting, all aspects of the situation currently prevailing within the Olympic Movement in Pakistan were carefully reviewed and it was noted and determined that:

“The POA had conducted its regular quadrennial elections on 4 February 2012 in a fair, transparent and democratic manner, in the presence of IOC and OCA observers, IOC member Syed Shahid Ali and all members of the POA General Assembly. The procedure, outcomes and results of the POA Elective General Assembly of 4 February 2012 had been fully accepted by all candidates and by all members of the POA General Assembly, and have therefore been duly recognised by the IOC and OCA.

“As a consequence, the IOC and OCA reiterate their full support to the legitimate POA - headed by Lt Gen. (Retired) Syed Arif Hasan - which is the sole and unique body recognised by the IOC and which has exclusive jurisdiction to deal with any Olympic-related matters in Pakistan, including but  not limited to constituting, organising and leading its delegation at the Olympic Games and at the regional, continental or world multi-sports competitions patronised by the IOC (including all IOC events and OCA events), as mentioned in the Olympic Charter.

“No body other than the IOC-recognised POA can claim to exercise any Olympicrelated activities in Pakistan and/or designate itself as an “Olympic” body and/or use the Olympic rings or any of the properties which belong to the IOC or the POA. Any potential disputes affecting the Olympic Movement in Pakistan should be dealt with through dialogue and mutual understanding within the competent bodies and legitimate structure of the POA, whichwill be facilitated by IOC member Syed Shahid Ali.

“The Government of Pakistan was invited to attend this meeting but, unfortunately, did not reply to the invitation extended by the IOC. In spite of this, it was agreed that the POA would make another effort and continue doing its best to establish fruitful dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and find good solutions for the future which are fully compatible with the principles and rules which govern the Olympic Movement and, in particular, the principle  of autonomy of the Olympic Movement.”