Arshad Nadeem’s former coach, Salman Butt, is not backing down without a fight over his lifetime ban, as the federal government has now reportedly gotten involved.
According to reports in local media, the federal government has taken notice of the lifetime ban imposed on Salman Butt and has directed an in-depth inquiry into the controversial decision made by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP).
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has been instructed to submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) after completing its investigation. The inquiry will examine the reasons, motives, and transparency behind the federation’s decision to ban the renowned coach.
Recently, the Athletics Federation announced a lifetime ban on Salman Butt, citing alleged violations related to his election as President of the Punjab Athletics Association. The decision sparked widespread debate within Pakistan’s sports community, as Butt has been a key figure in the training and success of Arshad Nadeem, who made history by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics.
Responding to the ban, Salman Butt strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and retaliatory, stemming from his recent criticisms of the AFP.
The government’s decision to intervene signals the seriousness of the situation, given the coach’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s athletics revival and Arshad Nadeem’s global achievements. The outcome of the inquiry could have major implications for both the future of athletics coaching in Pakistan and the relationship between national federations and the state’s sports authorities.
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The decision of AFP to impose life time ban on Salman Butt is completely unlawful and outcome of jealousy and malafide and not at all in National interest.