NC imposes life bans on football administrators [The News]

by Abdul Mohi Shah

ISLAMABAD: The Normalisation Committee (NC) of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has imposed life ban on leading football administrators by denying them the opportunity to come up with the explanation to defend the alleged crime they have committed.

All the leading football administrators who have been serving the game at the grassroots levels for years have now been barred from contesting provincial as well as national elections.

Around 20 leading officials that also include some of the most respected names like former PPP Senator Syed Zahir Shah, PTI MNA Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, Rana Muhammad Ashraf Khan and Haji Khalil were banned from contesting any election paying the way for near and dear ones to come to the fore.

The 19 officials banned for life include Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah, Muhammad Noman (KPK), Syed Zahir Shah, Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, Rana Muhammad Ashraf Khan, Rizwan Ali, Said Rasool, Azizullah, Faqir Muhammad, Mrs. Farzana Rauf, Dost Muhammad Khan, Syed Shrafat Hussain Bukhari, S. Naveed Haider Khan, Muhammad Siddique Sheikh, Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmad, Mrs. Javeria Zafar and Haji Khalil.

The NC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee in its finding says: “After reviewing all the facts, it has been determined that the following individuals were involved in creating a parallel association that is strongly discouraged by the PFF Constitution, Rules, and Regulations. Additionally, they violated Article 70 of the PFF Constitution and are therefore declared persona non grata. They are banned from participating in any football-related activities for life.

“Furthermore, these individuals were involved in the attack on the PFF House on March 27, 2021, which resulted in Pakistan’s suspension at the international level. This act of illegal takeover, stealing PFF’s property, destroying PFF property, and embezzling over Rs4,000,000 resulted in the international suspension of PFF causing irreparable and lasting damage to not only Pakistan football but to the goodwill and prestige of Pakistan internationally. As a consequence, sufficient material is available on the record that these individuals with the act they have committed against the spirit of PFF, AFC and FIFA Statutes. Thus the committee is of unanimous view that these individuals be immediately declared persona non grata and banned from participating in any football-related activities for life.

Additionally, the PFF committee has noted that the movable assets of the PFF, including official cars are in the possession of those who attacked the PFF House and form illegal committees which they are not authorised to do. Therefore, these individuals are instructed to return the assets within seven (7) days starting today. If they fail to do so, the PFF Secretariat will be required to file a criminal case against them.”

Interestingly, a number of banned officials have no connection with the attack on the Football House or formation of a parallel body since the formation of NC. These also include Syed Zahir Shah and Rana Muhammad Ashraf Khan.

“I have never been a part of any parallel body nor I have had anything to do with the attack on Football House . I have kept myself at distance. My only fault is that I have been serving the game of football at grassroots for years,” Rana Ashraf, when connected, said.

Rana Ashraf was all set to win Punjab elections as he was clearly enjoying confidence of 80 percent of the electorate collegiate. His position got stronger following the decision of Aamir Dogar Group to support him in Punjab. “I think there was no other reason than the one that gave me absolute majority in Punjab province.”

Zahir Shah vowed to contest the ban in court of law. “Neither a chargesheet was issued nor were we given proper time to clear our position. Since NC came into power I did not contest their authority and I was not a part of any unlawful activity. I don’t know why such a decision was taken by the NC committee. We have no option but to move the court of law to seek justice.”

All the efforts to contact NC Chairman Haroon Malik went fruitless. Neither he answered the WhatsApp query sent on his Canadian cell number nor did he respond. His point of view, once received, will also be published.

Published in The News, 29 August 2024