AFP Sanctions Coach Salman Iqbal Butt with Lifetime Ban

ISLAMABAD: The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has declared a lifetime ban for Salman Iqbal Butt, coach to Olympian Arshad Nadeem. This action stems from violations of the federation’s regulations during the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA) elections.

As per an AFP announcement, Butt is now restricted from all coaching-related involvement. Furthermore, Syed Habib Shah has received a 10-year ban for similar infractions.

The AFP stated that these penalties were due to “intentional, planned, and continuous acts of improper conduct” by the two officials. They proceeded with the PAA elections on August 31, despite explicit directives to abstain.

The federation clarified that the elections were carried out illegally, providing only one day’s advance notice. This contravened essential constitutional requirements concerning schedules and protocols.

An investigative body was assembled to probe the situation. Both Butt and Shah were requested to submit justifications for their actions but did not respond within the stipulated period.

Upon examining the evidence, the AFP Executive Committee determined that both individuals had severely breached the federation’s constitution and displayed deliberate defiance.

Following the investigation, the committee invalidated the Punjab Athletics Association elections. They also announced that new elections would be organized under the supervision of the AFP.

The federation has instructed all associated units and institutions to suspend official dealings with the sanctioned officials.