An adjudicator of the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has declared null and void the life ban imposed on Salman Butt, the longtime coach and mentor of celebrated athlete Arshad Nadeem.
Senator Pervez Rashid, appointed as adjudicator after Butt appealed to the PSB and the Pakistan Olympic Committee (POC), announced on Monday that he was overturning the ban, calling the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation’s (PAAF) decision unconstitutional.
He noted a complete lack of due process in the disciplinary action, stating that no charge sheet or proper hearing had been provided to Butt. Rashid also urged the PAAF to immediately withdraw all adverse remarks and communications sent to international bodies. He affirmed that Butt is free to continue coaching Nadeem and represent Pakistan at international events.
The life ban was imposed after Nadeem finished 10th at the World Athletics Championships. Upon returning, Butt was asked by the PSB and PAAF to submit a report explaining the athlete’s performance. In his report, he cited Nadeem’s health concerns, saying the javelin star was still recovering from calf muscle surgery conducted in July. Butt further stated that the PAAF had played no role in Nadeem’s career over the past year.
The federation reacted strongly to Butt’s comments and subsequently imposed the ban, accusing him of violating the constitution in his capacity as president of the Punjab athletics body.
Despite the controversy, the Pakistan Olympic Committee granted Butt special clearance to accompany Nadeem to the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, where the Olympian went on to win gold in the javelin throw.
(By PTI Inputs)
