Three Pakistani men’s hockey players have denied allegations made by Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid, who claimed they sought political asylum in Europe.
According to sources close to the players—Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtesham Aslam, Abdul Rahman Junior, and team physio Dr. Waqas—their presence in Europe was solely for participating in hockey matches following their appearance at the Nations Cup.
The sources clarified that the players did not apply for political asylum, as alleged. Instead, they were offered temporary contracts and residence cards by the European clubs they played for.
The players emphasized that their primary focus remains on hockey and that they have not taken up any other employment while abroad.
However, the PHF has a different perspective on the matter. Secretary Mujahid stated that the players failed to inform the federation about their plans to play in Europe, which led to their exclusion from the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.
Mujahid also announced that the federation plans to seek a lifetime ban for the players and initiate the process of canceling their passports through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The players, who reportedly had not received their daily allowances for representing Pakistan, sought better opportunities in Europe. Despite this, they insist that they kept the federation informed of their whereabouts and intentions, disputing the PHF’s claims of seeking asylum.
