Arshad Nadeem’s coach receives lifetime ban – But what really happened?
In a surprising twist, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Iqbal Butt, the coach who guided Arshad Nadeem to the country’s only athletics Olympic gold medal.
Violation of federation’s constitution
In a statement issued after its Executive Committee meeting held on October 10, the AFP blamed Salman Butt for “gross violations” of the federation’s constitution during the Punjab Athletics Association elections, banning him for life from all athletics-related activities, including coaching, officiating, or holding any administrative role at national or international levels.
The decision comes just days after reports of friction between AFP and Salman Butt following Arshad Nadeem’s disappointing 10th-place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Also read: Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem reaches Asian Athletics final with 86.34m javelin throw
However, according to the federation, the disciplinary move is part of broader efforts to uphold “transparency, constitutional compliance, and organisational integrity” within Pakistan athletics. Salman currently serves as President of the Punjab Athletics Association, and that very election has become the catalyst for his ban.
The AFP declared the Punjab Athletics Association elections held on August 31, 2025, illegal and unconstitutional, noting that the polls were announced just two days in advance, violating the mandatory 21-day notice period required under the AFP constitution.
“After careful review and deliberation, the Executive Committee imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Butt… for gross violations of the AFP Constitution, of which he himself is a signatory,” the statement read.
Even senior members of the association, including its vice president, were reportedly unaware of the election schedule until a day before the vote.
“These actions reflected a complete lack of transparency and a deliberate attempt to undermine the AFP Constitution,” the federation said, adding that such practices “will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
A Management Committee, headed by Shahida Khanum, has been formed to conduct fresh, transparent, and constitutionally valid elections for the Punjab body and oversee its daily operations in the interim.
Setback for Arshad Nadeem?
The ban on Salman Butt now jeopardises the future of Pakistan’s star athlete, Arshad Nadeem. The 28-year-old has worked with Salman during the most successful period of his career, and his coach’s ban could further impact his performance.
Also read: Arshad Nadeem becomes first Pakistani to win medal at World Championship
Their partnership has been widely credited with transforming Arshad’s international trajectory but the AFP’s latest decision marks a dramatic turn in that relationship.
