Hockey players approach European Competition Commission against International Hockey Federation
The controversy brewing over the cash-rich World Series Hockey (WSH), after heating up the situation in India, extended to the European countries.
European players, who want to partake in the money-making league, moved the European Competition Commission (ECC) in Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom against the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
WSH is a joint venture of Nimbus Sports, the sub-project of Nimbus Communication, and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), the derecognised hockey unit in the country. The league is set to start on December 17, 2011 and will continue until January 22, 2012.
The WSH is a centre of attention from across the world due to its thrilling touch and million-dollar rewards. But the world’s governing body is not ready to permit the players to get handsome amounts in terms of match fees and incentives.
The FIH barred the players not to join hands with the unsanctioned league. It also issued a warning saying that players who have inked agreements with the WSH or are considering doing so will not be allowed to play in the FIH tournaments.
The players not only in India but across the world are not happy over the decision and want to participate in the lucrative event.
It is worth highlighting here that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) was also asked to arbitrate the battle between Indian Hockey Federation and Hockey India over the well-paid league.
Former Indian skippers and players also moved the unit, charging Hockey India for violating its powers.
A senior official of the CCI spotlighted the club versus country dispute. He observed, “We will be looking into Hockey India's dominant role in the sport management aspect of the game and will seek international best practices as well”.
The plaintiffs asked the CCI to investigate the issue under the Sections Three (3) and Four (4) of the Competition Act, 2002, those that declare anti-competitive agreements void and prohibit them.
Former skipper, Dhanraj Pillay, underlined, “The World Series represents a huge opportunity for hockey globally and there is no rationale for Hockey India to prohibit players from participating”.
The situation in the Indian hockey is exacerbating day-by-day. It is highly probable that it will have a negative impact on the sport.
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