PHF still facing FIH punishment

ISLAMABAD: Clouds of a possible international ban or penalty are still hovering over Pakistan hockey as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has referred the matter to its disciplinary commission for further deliberations. PHF President Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has confirmed receiving a detailed questionnaire regarding Pakistan’s non-compliance of commitment to figure in the FIH Pro League. Pakistan withdrew from the league just days before of the start of the event on the pretext of financial constraints.

The FIH was forced to make numerous adjustments in the tournament’s schedule. The FIH Executive Board that met in Lausanne (Switzerland) has decided to refer the matter to its disciplinary commission. “The matter is with the disciplinary commission now. We are making all out efforts to avoid a ban or any penalty as we believe it was out of our hands,” Brig Khokhar told ‘The News’ from Scotland

He also said the PHF has received a letter from the FIH “regarding our view point on our inability to play the first phase of the league”. “We are in the process of finalising the details and in a few days — possibly by March 22 — the FIH will get Pakistan’s point of view on the matter.” ‘The News’ has learnt that the FIH referred the matter to the disciplinary commission despite the opposition of one of its members, Shahbaz Ahmed. There are chances that the commission will suggest some penalty on Pakistan. Meanwhile during the FIH Board meeting, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was awarded the President FIH Award.