Islamabad, October 13, 2025 — The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Butt, coach of Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, for what it described as “serious violations” of its constitution.
The decision was announced following an executive committee meeting chaired by AFP President Wajahat Hussain Sahi on October 10. According to a press release, Butt is now permanently barred from participating in any national or international athletics activities in any capacity — coach, athlete, official, or representative.
Athletics Federation of Pakistan imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Butt, coach of Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem “for gross violations of the AFP Constitution” in an attempt to “uphold transparency, constitutional compliance, and organizational integrity”. https://t.co/gUPyoC1R04
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) October 13, 2025
The ban comes amid a federation probe into Arshad Nadeem’s sharp performance decline, including a 10th-place finish at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Butt cited hot weather and a calf injury as reasons for the result, but the AFP’s disciplinary action focused on his alleged role in unconstitutional elections held by the Punjab Athletics Association on August 31.
The AFP declared those elections illegal and nullified them, citing procedural violations including lack of proper notice. Former Punjab Athletics Association secretary Habib Shah was also banned for 10 years.
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To restore order, the AFP has appointed a management committee led by Ms. Shahida Khanum to conduct fresh elections and oversee day-to-day affairs.
Wajahat Sahi said Butt’s actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine the AFP’s integrity but clarified that he retains the right to appeal.
Despite his ban, Butt’s coaching tenure saw Arshad Nadeem rise to prominence, securing Commonwealth (2022) and Paris Olympics (2024) gold medals and World Championship silver (2023).
