‘Removing Salman sent a negative message to global sports community’

ISLAMABAD: Former Secretary of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) Mohammad Zafar has come down hard on the federation’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Salman Butt, describing it as a move that has “sent shockwaves through the global sporting fraternity.”

Zafar, who served over eight years as AFP Secretary, said the decision reflects hidden grudges and personal vendettas rather than genuine disciplinary concerns. “It is more than what meets the eye,” he remarked. “There are clear signs of personal bias and internal politics behind this action. The Punjab Athletics Association elections have been used as a smokescreen, even though the same pattern has been followed for years without objection.”

He said India’s media had projected the AFP’s decision negatively, portraying it as punishment for a coach who helped create an Olympic champion. “No federation in the world would dare to impose such an extreme punishment on a result-producing coach,” Zafar lamented. “This step has sent a terrible message to the international sports community, that Pakistan doesn’t value or respect its heroes.”

Calling the move “unjust and damaging to Pakistan’s sporting reputation”, Zafar said there were better, more professional ways to handle internal disagreements. “If there were issues with the Punjab elections, AFP could have ordered re-elections or sought mediation. Instead, a lifetime ban was imposed without considering the consequences. This has brought nothing but embarrassment to Pakistan’s athletics.”

Recalling his own decision to appoint Salman Butt as Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Zafar said it was made after careful evaluation. “Salman was a former national champion, well-educated in sports sciences, and had solid international exposure. He was exactly the kind of coach Pakistan needed and he proved his worth by guiding Arshad to become an Olympic champion. His contribution is undeniable.” Zafar strongly urged the AFP to revisit and rectify the decision, saying it was “harsh, illogical, and uncalled for.”