KABUL: The president of the world’s largest sports press organization issued a stern warning Saturday against the formation of unauthorized journalism bodies in Afghanistan, as tensions emerge over who can legitimately represent the country’s sports media professionals.
Gianni Merlo, president of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), told Afghanistan’s fifth sports journalists congress that his organization “opposes the creation of any parallel organizations that contradict our charter and principles.”
Speaking during the virtual gathering attended by more than 70 Afghan journalists, Merlo emphasized that only the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) holds official recognition to issue international press credentials.
“Afghan sports journalists seeking to obtain the international AIPS card must apply exclusively through the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation,” Merlo said. “AIPS cannot respond directly to individual requests made outside of this framework.”
Support for the Official Federation
AIPS Secretary General Jura Ozmec reinforced the organization’s backing for ASJF, announcing expanded cooperation programs.
“We appreciate the tireless efforts of Afghan sports journalists working under difficult circumstances,” Ozmec said during the congress. “AIPS is committed to expanding international cooperation and enhancing its professional capabilities through our official partnership with ASJF.”
Ozmec added that the international body would “soon provide opportunities for Afghan journalists to participate in training programs and capacity-building initiatives” exclusively through the recognized federation.
Local Leadership Responds
ASJF President Khoshhal Taib welcomed the international backing, describing it as crucial for maintaining professional standards amid ongoing challenges.
“This clear support from AIPS leadership validates our role as the sole legitimate representative of Afghanistan’s sports journalism community,” Taib said. “We will continue to work within established international frameworks to serve our members.”
Taib emphasized that the federation would use its exclusive AIPS recognition to expand opportunities for Afghan sports journalists while maintaining professional integrity.
“Any attempts to create competing organizations only serve to confuse our colleagues and undermine the credibility we have built over years of partnership with international bodies,” he added.
The warning comes amid reports of various groups attempting to establish alternative professional journalism organizations in Afghanistan, potentially creating confusion over legitimate representation and access to international sporting events.