FIH asks Hockey India to deal with players partaking in WSH: Hockey News
International Hockey Federation (FIH) put the entire burden on Hockey India (HI) asking it to deal with the hockey players those who will partake in the rebel league namely, World Series Hockey (WSH). HI, the authorised sport’s governing body will look into
the matters of players, who will join hands with the multi-billion hockey league.
WSH, the joint venture of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sports, the sub-project of the Nimbus Communication, is scheduled to be held by the end of the this year on the lines of the cricketing tournament Indian Premier League (IPL). The league
grabbed the attention from across the globe due to its million-dollar prize-money and glamorous touch. However, the world body declared it as unofficial saying that the IHF is not the recognised body of the country. It not only warned the players, but also
asked the all hockey players not to partake in the rebel league.
Leandro Negre, the President of the FIH, while speaking to the media said that there could be only one professional body in the country; therefore, they would work with Hockey India. In his views, IHF is no more a professional body of the sports in the country
after the recognition of Hockey India.
He further stated that they are working closely to organise a timed event in order to facilitate the players across the globe. He said, “The professional league has to be properly timed. We have to spare a window in our international calendar so that top
players of the world can participate. It can only begin after London 2012 and January-February is a good time to have it.”
The FIH President was of the opinion that they were reviewing numerous concepts of professional events in order to make it as per the other international games. He also paid a visit to India to discuss the various terms and conditions for the professional
league.
It is pertinent to mention here that India’s top players have already joined hands with the rebel league. Kelly Fairweather, the Chief Executive of the FIH, however, warned the players in clear words either to play in the national side or the rebel league.
He opined that the players have loads of international games in the current year including 2011 Champions Trophy, 2011 Champions Challenge and qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics. He further stated that the hockey squad are packed with a tight schedule
and there will be no time for the rebel league.
They do not want to stop the development of hockey, however, there are some requirements of the game, he added. He maintained that the players would have to choose whether to represent the national side or participate in the local events. The world body
also directed all the concerned federations asking them not to join the unauthorised leagues.
Tags: