Arshad Nadeem Coach Banned for Life by Athletics Federation of Pakistan

Pakistan’s sports authorities often make decisions that end up hurting their own progress, and the latest incident is yet another example of that. Over the weekend, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) announced a lifetime ban on coach Salman Iqbal Butt, the man who helped Arshad Nadeem win Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics.

AFP Imposes Lifetime Ban on Salman Iqbal Butt

In an official statement issued after its Executive Committee meeting on October 10, the AFP accused Salman Butt of committing “gross violations” of the federation’s constitution during the Punjab Athletics Association elections. The federation has barred him for life from all athletics-related roles — including coaching, officiating, or holding any administrative position at both national and international levels.

This strict decision comes shortly after reports of rising tension between the AFP and Salman Butt, especially following Arshad Nadeem’s underwhelming 10th-place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. While some sources linked the ban to the ongoing disagreements, the AFP stated that the move is part of a broader effort to promote “transparency, constitutional compliance, and organizational integrity” in Pakistan’s athletics community.

Dispute Over Punjab Athletics Association Elections

Salman Butt currently serves as the President of the Punjab Athletics Association, but the elections that brought him into the position have now become the main reason for his downfall. The AFP declared those elections — held on August 31, 2025 — as illegal and unconstitutional. According to the AFP, the election notice was issued only two days before voting, violating the mandatory 21-day notice period clearly outlined in the federation’s constitution.

The AFP stated, “After careful review and deliberation, the Executive Committee has decided to impose a lifetime ban on Salman Butt for gross violations of the AFP Constitution, of which he himself is a signatory.”

Reports also suggest that several senior members of the Punjab Athletics Association, including its vice president, were not informed about the election schedule until a day before voting took place. The AFP condemned these actions as a serious breach of transparency and a deliberate attempt to undermine the federation’s constitutional framework.

The statement further added, “Such practices will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Fresh Elections Ordered Under New Management

To restore order, the AFP has formed a Management Committee headed by Shahida Khanum. This committee will oversee the daily affairs of the Punjab Athletics Association and organize fresh elections that comply with the AFP constitution. The federation emphasized that these elections will be transparent and fair, ensuring that similar issues do not arise in the future.

Uncertain Future for Arshad Nadeem

The decision has raised serious concerns about the future of Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s star javelin thrower. Salman Butt played a crucial role in shaping Arshad’s career, guiding him through intense training that led to historic success on the international stage. Their partnership has been seen as a model for athlete-coach collaboration in Pakistan.

Now, with Salman’s ban, questions are being asked about how this will affect Arshad’s performance and preparations for future global events. The loss of his long-time coach could disrupt his training routine and emotional focus, especially at a time when he needs stability to maintain his world-class form.

Possible Legal Battle Ahead

Observers believe this controversy is far from over. Many expect Salman Butt to challenge the lifetime ban legally, possibly taking the matter to the courts or to higher sports authorities. The situation has also sparked debate within Pakistan’s sports community, with critics accusing the AFP of internal politics and poor management that could harm the country’s athletic future.

As the story unfolds, all eyes remain on how this dispute will impact both Arshad Nadeem’s career and the broader credibility of athletics governance in Pakistan. One thing is clear — the conflict has once again exposed deep divisions within Pakistan’s sports administration at a time when unity and professionalism are needed the most.

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