PHF Bans Five Former Players For Trying To Make Separate Federation

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday imposed a life ban on five former Olympians for trying to form a parallel body.

PHF President Tariq Bugti said that former Olympian and internationals Nasir Ali, Khalid Bashir, Saleem Nazim, Abbas Ali and Haider Ali h been banned for life.

" PHF found m guilty of trying to run a parallel federation, stealing PHF records and using funds from a PHF account without approval,” Bugti said.

Since last year after Brigier (retd) Sajj Khokar was forced to resign as PHF chief after being in power for more than two terms, a power-struggle is going on between two groups to take control of PHF.

One group was heed by Bugti, an influential politician from Balochistan and or by Sehla Reza, an influential politician from Karachi.

Haider Ali who was secretary general with Khokar joined PHF heed by Shehla Reza as secretary.

Pakistan Sports Board and FIH later said y would recognise PHF heed by Bugti and former Olympian, Rana Mujahid after Shehla Reza on instructions of her party bigwigs, stepped away from her claim to be President and conflict.

"se group of people tried to sabotage PHF affairs and stole important documents and also illegally blocked a bank account which collected rents from our shops, offices and warehouses at Hockey Club of Pakistan in Karachi,” Bugti said.

He said as a result PHF h imposed a life ban on all former players who could no longer associate with sport in any capacity.

Of five banned Khalid Bashir and Nasir Ali were celebrated defenders who won Olympic medals while Saleem Nazim was also a high profile mid-fielder.