The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has overturned the lifetime ban imposed on Salman Iqbal Butt, coach of Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, declaring the sanction unlawful and restoring his professional rights.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, acting as the PSB adjudicator, ruled that the ban issued by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) on October 12 was “void ab initio and without lawful authority.” The AFP had banned Butt over undisclosed administrative disputes, including issues related to the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA) elections. Butt challenged the ban, arguing it lacked jurisdiction, due process, and legal grounds. The adjudicator’s final order, dated November 13, sided with Butt.
The ruling directed the AFP to withdraw all adverse communications sent to international bodies such as World Athletics and the Asian Athletics Association, and prohibited the federation from issuing any further prejudicial statements. The adjudicator cited procedural flaws, including the absence of a formal charge sheet, inquiry report, or meaningful hearing.
The order emphasized the negative impact on Pakistan’s elite athletics program, noting that Butt’s coaching had been instrumental in Nadeem’s historic Paris 2024 Olympics performance. AFP’s actions, the ruling stated, disrupted athlete preparations, jeopardized national medal prospects, and risked international reputational damage. Nadeem’s written support for Butt was also highlighted.
The proceedings were assisted by PSB legal advisor Saif ur Rehman Rao, while AFP was represented by its president Brigadier (R) Wajahat Hussain and advocate Usman Akram. The adjudicator confirmed PSB’s jurisdiction to review the case under its constitution.
