PHF pays installment of fine to world body

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has submitted the first installment of $15,000 through the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as fine for pulling out of the Pro Hockey League at the eleventh hour.

‘The News’ has learnt from well-placed sources that the first installment that was forwarded to FIH on the eve of Eidul Azha would pave the way for Pakistan to play the qualifying round of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“In a recent meeting between PHF and FIH officials, Pakistan were given the permission to play the qualifying round provided they paid the reduced fine before the tournament starts,” a PHF official said.

The installment was the first of three to be paid by the PHF till the year end. ‘The News’ has learnt that the total fine is $50,000.The FIH Disciplinary Commission had decided to reduce the fine to a considerable amount. The commission also decided to divert half of the remaining fine back to hockey’s promotion in Pakistan at the grassroots level.

Almost the same amount that the PHF will be paying as fine will be spent on development of club hockey and to generate activities at the town and district levels. Pakistan’s roadmap for the 2020 Olympics will be given a clearer look by mid-September when all the hockey continental competitions will conclude.