Hockey players deny seeking asylum in Europe

LAHORE: A dispute has emerged between three Pakistan men’s hockey players and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following allegations from PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid that the athletes sought political asylum in Europe.

The players involved—Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtesham Aslam, and Abdul Rahman Junior—along with the team’s physio, Dr. Waqas, have firmly denied the accusations. Sources close to the players clarified that they travelled to Europe after competing in the Nations Cup to play in a series of hockey matches. According to these sources, the players were offered temporary contracts and residence cards by the European clubs they played for, but they did not apply for political asylum as alleged by the PHF.

The players said that their focus remains entirely on hockey, and they have not pursued any other employment opportunities while in Europe. They asserted that they have kept the federation informed about their activities and intentions abroad. However, Mujahid stated that the players failed to inform the federation of their plans to play in Europe, which led to their exclusion from the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. He further said that the PHF would seek a lifetime ban for the players and take steps to cancel their passports through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The players’ decision to go to Europe was reportedly driven by financial constraints, as they had not received their daily allowances for representing Pakistan in previous competitions. Seeking better opportunities, they accepted offers from European clubs but denied that this had anything to do with asylum claims.

Sources close to the players expressed frustration with the PHF’s handling of the situation, suggesting that if the players had intended to slip away and seek asylum, they could have done so earlier. Instead, they argued, the players were transparent about their plans to play hockey in Europe. Mujahid claimed that the players had not disclosed their plans to participate in European leagues. This lack of communication, according to Mujahid, warrants disciplinary action.