New Delhi: The International Hockey Federation Friday made it clear that it does not recognise the IHF-organised World Series Hockey and the event remains unsanctioned as per the FIH statutes and bye-laws.
“The FIH would like to restate that it has not changed its position on World Series Hockey. It remains an unsanctioned event as per the FIH Statutes and Bye-Laws.
“The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) is not recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as the governing body for the sport in India. The IHF has not been recognised by the FIH since 2000. Instead the FIH recognises Hockey India as the sole national governing body for hockey in India,” the FIH said in a statement.
The ruling comes a day after the country’s top five players – captain Sandeep Singh, Adrian D’Souza, Arjun Halappa, Sardara Singh and Prabhjot Singh – left the ongoing national camp in Bangalore without permission to attend a function organised by the IHF and Nimbus Sports, who unveiled them Qas captains of four of the eight WSH franchises. “Regarding player participation in the tournament, athletes that signed contracts with World Series Hockey before 31st March 2011 could, subject to them having no other contractual or national obligations with their respective National Associations, play in the League,” the statement added. (PTI)
