The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) reportedly has imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Iqbal Butt, the coach of Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, for violating the federation’s constitution and engaging in unauthorized activities, sources confirmed on Sunday.
According to officials, Salman Butt has been barred for life from participating in any athletics-related activities at the national or international level. The decision has been communicated to the World Athletics, Asian Athletics Association, and the Pakistan Sports Board.
In addition to Butt’s ban, the federation has also imposed a 10-year suspension on Syed Habib Shah, the Secretary of the Punjab Athletics Association. Both individuals were found guilty of mismanagement and breaching the AFP’s constitutional framework.
Sources revealed that the action stems from the unauthorized elections of the Punjab Athletics Association, which were held on August 29, led by Salman Butt and Syed Habib Shah. The AFP declared those elections null and void on August 31, citing violations of the proper election procedure outlined in the federation’s constitution.
The AFP had earlier issued a letter on August 30, directing the Punjab body to follow legal procedures for conducting elections. Despite being one of the original signatories of the federation’s constitution, Salman Butt allegedly disregarded the directive and proceeded with the illegal electoral process.
An inquiry committee was subsequently formed to investigate the matter. Both Salman Butt and Habib Shah were summoned to present their defense but failed to appear before the committee. After reviewing available records and evidence, the committee submitted its findings to the AFP Executive Committee.
Following the inquiry’s recommendations, the AFP Executive Committee unanimously decided to impose a lifetime ban on Salman Butt and a 10-year ban on Habib Shah for unconstitutional and unlawful actions.
The federation stated that such measures were essential to uphold discipline, transparency, and integrity within Pakistan’s athletics structure.
Sources added that the decision has been formally communicated to relevant domestic and international sporting authorities to ensure compliance with the ban.
