Three Pakistan men’s hockey players have refuted allegations by Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid that they sought political asylum in Europe.
According to sources close to the players, Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtesham Aslam, Abdul Rahman Junior, and team physio Dr. Waqas were in Europe solely to participate in hockey matches following their stint at the Nations Cup.
The sources clarified that the players did not apply for political asylum, as alleged. Instead, they were offered temporary contracts and residence cards by the clubs they played for in Europe.
The players emphasized that their focus remains on hockey and that they have not engaged in any other employment during their time abroad.
The PHF, however, views the situation differently. Secretary Mujahid stated that the players did not inform the federation about their plans to play in Europe, leading to their exclusion from the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.
He announced that the federation would seek a lifetime ban for the players and initiate passport cancellation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The players, who had not received their daily allowances for representing Pakistan, reportedly sought better opportunities in Europe.
Despite this, they maintain that they have kept the federation informed of their whereabouts and intentions, disputing the federation’s claims of seeking asylum.
