Pak team participation doubtful

A dispute between the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the state-operated Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) could threaten the country's participation in London 2012, the head of the POA said on Sunday.

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

“At this stage, I cannot comment on Pakistan's participation in the London Olympics. This matter will be taken up during the IOC Executive Board meeting on July 20-21," POA President Arif Hasan said in a statement.

“But the IOC is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan." 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.