International Basketball Federation suspends Pakistan membership

Headed by PBF president Asif Bajwa, POA was not recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has suspended the membership of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBF) intimating under a detailed three-page letter as to why it was constrained to take such serious action.

The FIBA also expressly copied the letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that has also informed the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) about the decision.

PBF president Asif Bajwa had been appointed the head of the Interim Committee of POA, against which FIBA’s Central Board has taken strong exception calling it a ‘direct contravention of the IOC’s explicit instructions’.

The excerpts of the letter read: “This Interim Committee is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Much to our regret, we have also been informed that this illegal Interim Committee is headed by the President of the Pakistan Basketball Federation, Mr Asif Baiwa.”

“The FIBA Central Board (in its meetings of June 20 and June 21) has taken a firm approach considering that - in breach of Article 9.1 of the FIBA General Statutes - your Federation no longer is in good standing with the National Olympic Committee (POA) officially recognized by the IOC,” read the letter.

“In view of all the above facts and in application of Article 9.10 and 10.2 of the FIBA General Statutes, we regret to inform that the Central Board has approved the suspension of your Federation from FIBA with immediate effect.

As a result, your federation forfeits its rights under Article 8.1 of the FIBA General Statutes and your teams and officials are no longer allowed to organize and/or participate in official competitions or activities,” said the letter.