FIA probes futsal team trafficking scandal
The investigation centers on claims that individuals traveling as players, officials, and support staff used the cover of participation in the 2024 Colombia Futsal Championship to illegally cross into the United States via Mexico.
Deputy Director Saadullah Mehsud of the FIA's Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) in Peshawar told the Express Tribune that credible evidence has emerged showing several team members exploited the tournament as a pretext to escape abroad. "We have begun collecting detailed evidence in this case," he confirmed.
The championship, organized by the International Federation of Futsal (FIFUSA), took place from September 12 to 23, 2024, in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with Pakistan's national team invited to compete.
Sources revealed that at least six individuals — Abdullah, Masood Khan, Iqbal Hussain, Wali Muhammad, Haseebullah, and Muhammad Mustafa - all reportedly from District Khyber, traveled as players, technical officials, a media coordinator, and a physiotherapist. These individuals are believed to have crossed illegally into US territory after arriving in Colombia. The number of those involved may be higher, as the official squad reportedly included 21 members.
The probe was launched following a complaint by professional futsal player Nematullah, who accused the team's head coach, Muhammad Arshad, of fraud. Nematullah alleged the coach promised him a visa to Brazil in exchange for money, which was neither arranged nor refunded. He further claimed he was unfairly dropped from the Colombia tournament, while non-athletes were included after making substantial payments.
FIA investigators also disclosed that two suspects, Iqbal Hussain and Wali Muhammad, reportedly Afghan nationals, obtained Pakistani identity cards and passports illegally to participate in the scheme.
Three primary suspects have been identified: the futsal coach at Qayyum Sports Complex Peshawar, a karate and futsal coach from Landi Kotal, and the President of the Pakistan Soccer Futsal Federation. These individuals traveled with the team to Colombia but returned without several of the purported players. The FIA is expanding its inquiry to clarify their role in facilitating the trafficking operation.
An insider from the futsal federation claimed each individual paid between Rs3.5 to 4 million to secure Colombian visas, indicating a well-organized and financially motivated smuggling ring operating for months.
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