Despite having been handed a lifetime ban by the national Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), coach Salman Butt is scheduled to travel next week with star athlete Arshad Nadeem for the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games.
The AFP imposed the lifetime prohibition on Salman on October 12, citing “gross violations of the AFP Constitution.” The federation specifically referenced “illegal and unconstitutional” elections held on August 31 by the Punjab Athletics Association—an organization Salman had presided over until early August—as the primary reason for the ruling. The ban explicitly bars him from engaging in any athletics activity, whether as an athlete, coach, official, or administrator, at both national and international levels.
The controversial ruling followed closely on the heels of the AFP demanding an explanation for Arshad’s 10th-place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo the preceding month.
The dispute quickly moved into the legal arena when Salman filed an appeal with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on October 14. The PSB subsequently appointed Senator Pervaiz Rashid as the case adjudicator. While the AFP objected to the matter being sent to an adjudicator rather than arbitration, the PSB firmly rejected this challenge. Citing its own constitutional authority and judicial precedents, the PSB maintained that it possesses “ample jurisdiction and authority to hear and decide the present matter.” Although an initial hearing was set, it has since been rescheduled to November 13 following a request for additional preparation time from the AFP.
Crucially, Arshad has secured confirmation of continued support from the Pakistan Olympics Association (POA). On October 17, Arshad wrote to the POA, which confirmed its unwavering protection and oversight. Arshad, a recipient of the POA’s Olympic Scholarships for Paris 2024 (where he notably won gold and broke the Olympic record with a 92.97m throw), received confirmation that Salman “shall continue to serve as your Athlete Support Personnel for all training, rehabilitation, and competition activities,” affirming Arshad’s “patent right, preference and performance record.”
The association guaranteed its full commitment to Arshad’s “professional development, mental welfare, and safeguarding.” The POA assured the athlete that he will “continue to train and compete within a safe, dignified environment free from external interference.” The POA further stated that it would inform the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the situation to protect Arshad’s rights under the Olympic Charter, ensuring a coordinated engagement with World Athletics at the appropriate time.
