Pakistani Coach Salman Butt's Life Ban Lifted
In a significant development for Pakistani sports, an adjudicator from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially revoked the life ban imposed on Salman Butt, the esteemed coach of star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem. The decision, announced on Monday, marks a dramatic turnaround in a case that has gripped the athletics community.
Unconstitutional Action and Lack of Due Process
Senator Pervez Rashid, who was appointed as the adjudicator, took up Butt's appeal after it was filed with the PSB and the Pakistan Olympic Committee (POC). The appeal was a direct response to the life ban announced by the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) back in October. Senator Rashid did not mince words, overturning the ban and labelling the PAAF's original action as unconstitutional.
He strongly emphasised that there was a complete absence of due process in the federation's proceedings. Crucially, Salman Butt was never provided with a formal charge sheet and was denied a proper hearing to defend himself against the allegations.
Fallout from World Athletics Championships
The entire controversy erupted after Arshad Nadeem finished in a disappointing 10th place at the World Athletics Championships. Upon their return, both the PSB and the PAAF demanded an explanation from Butt regarding the athlete's performance.
In his detailed report, Coach Butt explained that Nadeem's struggles were primarily due to health issues and his ongoing recovery from a calf muscle surgery performed in July. He further revealed a startling fact: the PAAF had not contributed to Nadeem's training for an entire year leading up to the event and had distanced itself from the athlete despite his past achievements.
The federation, however, was dissatisfied with this response. It proceeded to impose the life ban, accusing Butt of violating its constitution in his role as the president of the Punjab athletics body.
A New Chapter and International Clearance
As part of his ruling, Senator Rashid has instructed the PAAF to withdraw all adverse communications it had sent to international sporting bodies concerning Salman Butt. The adjudicator's verdict explicitly states that Butt is now free to continue his work as Arshad Nadeem's coach and can represent Pakistan on the international stage without any restrictions.
This decision aligns with a previous move by the Pakistan Olympic Committee, which had already granted Butt special clearance to accompany Nadeem to the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh. That trip proved highly successful, with Arshad Nadeem clinching the gold medal for his country.
