Pakistani football team in Japan turns out to be fake; deported with warning: Report

Japan issued a warning to Pakistan after a fake team of footballers was found in the country and later deported, News18 reported citing sources.

The development comes after Indian cricket team refused customary handshake with Pakistan during its Asia Cup 2025 match victory in Dubai on September 14.

According to the report, the members of the team were carrying fake passports and could be an attempt at human trafficking.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency said a group of 22 individuals disguised as footballers flew to Japan from the Sialkot airport, News18 said. However, their documents were found to be fake and deported subsequently, the report said.