ISLAMABAD: In a major reversal, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has struck down the lifetime ban imposed on Salman Iqbal Butt, the long-serving coach of javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, calling the earlier decision “unconstitutional” and restoring his full coaching rights.
PSB Declares Ban “Void from Start”
Senator Pervez Rashid, acting as the adjudicator for the PSB, ruled that the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) lacked legal grounds and due process when it imposed the lifetime ban on Butt. Rashid’s order described the penalty as “without lawful authority, unconstitutional, ultra vires, and void ab initio.”
Due-Process Failures Cited
One of the key issues identified by the PSB was the procedure followed by the AFP. According to the ruling, Butt was never served a formal charge sheet, nor was he given access to an inquiry report or a meaningful hearing. His right to defend himself, the court found, had been seriously compromised.
Reputational Damage, Ordering Retraction of Letters
The PSB ordered the AFP to immediately withdraw all negative communications it had sent to international bodies such as World Athletics and Asian Athletics — correspondence that, the adjudicator said, had harmed Butt’s global standing. The AFP has also been barred from issuing any further “defamatory or prejudicial communications” against him.
Impact on Pakistan’s Athletics Programme
In his decision, the PSB adjudicator underlined how the ban had disrupted high-performance preparations in Pakistani athletics. The ruling noted that the move created “uncertainty for a leading Olympic athlete,” damaging both Arshad Nadeem’s training environment and Pakistan’s reputation on the world stage. Arshad himself had written in support of his coach, arguing that the ban threatened their shared progress.
Coach Reacts With Relief
Salman Butt welcomed the ruling, saying, “Justice has been served.” Despite the legal battle, he had continued working and even travelled with Arshad to the Islamic Solidarity Games, where the athlete defended his javelin gold. Butt, who also holds a position as Asian Director of Development for World Athletics, confirmed he will resume his coaching role with renewed authority.
Background: The Ban That Sparked Controversy
The original ban came from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan in October 2025. The AFP accused Butt of “gross violations” of its constitution in connection with the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA) elections. The federation had declared the August 31, 2025 PAA elections “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” citing procedural lapses such as inadequate notice.
The lifetime ban prevented Butt from participating in any athletics-related activity — whether as a coach, athlete, official, or office-bearer, at both national and international levels.
What’s Next:
The AFP must retract all adverse international communications related to the ban.
Salman Butt’s professional rights, status, and privileges as a national coach have been fully restored.
The ruling raises renewed questions about governance and procedural fairness within national sports federations.
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