Japan deported a “fake” Pakistan football team after uncovering a visa scam, leading FIA to bust a human trafficking ring.
ISLAMABAD: It was game over before it even began. A 22-man “fake” Pakistan football team, dressed in full kits and claiming to represent the country, was deported from Japan after immigration authorities discovered the elaborate visa scam.
The team landed in June 2025 on 15-day visas, supposedly to play scheduled matches against a Japanese club. But officials quickly realised the players weren’t registered with the Pakistan Football Federation and had forged paperwork. They were sent straight back home, sparking an investigation by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
22-man ‘fake’ Pakistan football team exposed and sent home from Japan after FIA uncovered a human trafficking racket behind the stunt. Each “player” reportedly paid PKR 4.5 million for the fraudulent arrangement.
On Tuesday, FIA arrested prime suspect Waqas Ali, who confessed that the network had carried out a similar scheme in 2024—sending 17 individuals to Japan disguised as footballers, none of whom ever returned. The gang forged official letters, including no-objection certificates, to make the applications appear authentic.
Raids are now underway to track down the remaining members of the group. For Pakistan football fans, the saga is less about goals and glory, and more a cautionary tale about how far some will go to score a visa.
-Agencies
