ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani hockey players and an official have refuted allegations from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding their alleged pursuit of political asylum in Europe. Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtisham Aslam, and forward Abdul Rehman Jr., along with physio Dr. Waqas, have denied claims that they sought asylum or applied for it while in Europe.
According to sources close to the players, they traveled to Europe after their participation in the Nations Cup to compete in five additional matches. Subsequently, their club offered them extended contracts and temporary residency cards. The players have stated that they are not engaged in any other employment in Europe and remain focused on their hockey careers. They emphasized that if they had intentions of leaving Pakistan permanently, they would have done so earlier.
In contrast, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid had previously claimed that the players informed the federation of their unavailability for the Asian Champions Trophy without disclosing their plans to participate in European leagues. Mujahid suggested that the PHF is contemplating imposing lifetime bans on the players and officials involved. Additionally, the federation is reportedly coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cancel their passports. The denial by the players and official comes amid a growing controversy surrounding their recent activities and the actions of the PHF.
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