Fake Football Team From Pakistan Deported
A major scandal has unfolded after Japanese authorities deported 22 Pakistani nationals who attempted to enter the country while posing as a professional football team. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has confirmed the arrests of those involved in arranging the fraudulent trip.
The incident has been described as an elaborate human trafficking scheme involving fake documents, forged registrations, and a fabricated football club based in Sialkot. With investigations now underway, the case has raised concerns about sports being misused for illegal travel.
What Happened in Japan
According to reports confirmed by the FIA, a group of 22 men traveled from Sialkot International Airport to Japan under the guise of a football team. Upon their arrival, Japanese authorities examined their documents and found them to be forged.
The men were immediately deported back to Pakistan. Sources suggest that the group had been promised participation in football activities, but in reality, they were part of a carefully constructed trafficking attempt.
Fake Club and Mastermind Identified
The FIA has identified Malik Waqas as the main suspect behind the scheme. Waqas allegedly set up a fake football club called Golden Football Trial to arrange visas and documents for the group.
Reports state that each of the 22 men paid around Rs 4 million to secure their place in the so-called team. Investigators revealed that the documents presented included:
- Forged registration with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)
- Counterfeit attestations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Falsified supporting papers for participation in football trials abroad
The FIA has already arrested Waqas and confirmed that legal action is being taken.
Previous Attempts and Pattern of Fraud
The FIA has also revealed that this was not the first time such a scheme was carried out. Malik Waqas allegedly confessed that in January 2024, he had successfully sent 17 people abroad in a similar way.
This indicates a wider pattern of exploiting sports identities as a cover for illegal migration. Authorities believe the fake football team scam could be part of a larger human trafficking network targeting young Pakistanis desperate to travel abroad.
Human Trafficking Angle
The FIA has officially linked the case to human trafficking. Sports, especially football, were used as a disguise to make the journey appear legitimate. Since football is a globally popular sport and often involves international tournaments, players are seen as less suspicious travelers.
This case highlights how traffickers exploit the credibility of sport to bypass immigration checks. With documents seemingly tied to official football bodies, the group was able to leave Pakistan without raising alarms, until they reached Japan.
Embarrassment for Pakistan
The deportation of a fake football team has become an embarrassing moment for Pakistan. While the country is known for manufacturing world-class footballs in Sialkot, its actual footballing reputation remains weak due to poor management and limited international recognition.
This scandal risks further damaging the country’s image. Genuine football players and officials could now face additional scrutiny and difficulties in obtaining visas for international tournaments.
Timeline of the Case
- Preparation in Pakistan: Malik Waqas forms a fake football club, Golden Football Trial, and recruits 22 men.
- Departure: The group flies out of Sialkot International Airport with forged documents.
- Arrival in Japan: Immigration officials detect inconsistencies in their paperwork and background.
- Deportation: The entire group is deported back to Pakistan.
- Investigation: FIA arrests Malik Waqas and begins legal proceedings, confirming the case as human trafficking.
FIA’s Response and Legal Action
The FIA has made it clear that such fraudulent schemes will be pursued aggressively. Officials confirmed the arrest of Malik Waqas and are currently investigating how the forged documents were created and whether more people were involved.
Read More
The agency also aims to identify the networks responsible for providing access to forged registrations and attestations, since the documents used the names of credible institutions like the PFF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Broader Issue of Fake Sports Teams
This is not the first time fake sports teams have been used as a method for illegal travel. Similar incidents have occurred in other countries, where sham cricket, hockey, or football teams were created to secure visas.
The recurring use of this tactic raises concerns about weak verification systems. It also underscores the urgent need for tighter oversight by sports federations and immigration authorities.
Protecting Genuine Athletes
One of the biggest risks of such scams is the damage they cause to genuine athletes. Real football players already face limited opportunities to compete abroad. Incidents like this make host countries suspicious, which could result in stricter visa processes or outright rejections.
To protect its players, Pakistan must ensure:
- Stronger background checks for teams traveling abroad
- Verified registrations with the Pakistan Football Federation
- Government monitoring of sports clubs arranging international tours
By taking these steps, genuine athletes can be safeguarded from the fallout of fraudulent cases.
The deportation of 22 Pakistanis posing as a football team in Japan has exposed a major human trafficking scheme and sparked embarrassment for Pakistan. With forged documents, fake registrations, and a fabricated football club, the case has highlighted the misuse of sport for illegal migration.
The FIA’s quick response, including the arrest of the mastermind Malik Waqas, is a step toward accountability. However, stricter oversight and systemic reforms are urgently needed to prevent such incidents from happening again.
For Pakistan, this scandal is both a warning and an opportunity, a chance to clean up its sporting structures and protect the credibility of genuine athletes who carry the nation’s hopes abroad.
FAQs
Q1. How many people were deported from Japan in this case?
A. A total of 22 Pakistani nationals were deported for posing as a football team with fake documents.
Q2. Who was behind the fake football team scheme?
A. The FIA identified Malik Waqas as the mastermind. He created a fake club called Golden Football Trial.
Q3. How much money did each person pay to be included in the scheme?
A. Reports state that each participant paid around Rs 4 million.
Q4. What legal action has been taken so far?
A. The FIA has arrested Malik Waqas and is investigating the case as human trafficking.
Q5. Why is this incident damaging for Pakistan’s football image?
A. It creates mistrust in international sports, making it harder for genuine Pakistani athletes to get visas and compete abroad.
Also Read- Real Madrid Close To 200 Wins And 700 Goals In Champions League
