The Hellenic Hockey Federation has withdrawn its women’s national team from
the Women’s Qualifying Play-Off Competition, scheduled in Auckland, New
Zealand 11 — 14 March 2004, reports the International Hockey Federation.

The Play-Off series between Greece and Russia was the last opportunity for
the Greek women’s team to qualify for the XVII Olympic Games to be held in
Athens later this year. The Hellenic Hockey Federation (HHF) cites “explicit
financial reasons” as the reason for their withdrawal.

Greece, the host nation of the XXVII Olympic Games, was required to meet the
qualification criteria set out by the International Hockey Federation (FIH)
and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The first option for Greece
to gain a place at the Olympics was by qualifying for the European Nations
Cup, held in 2003. Greece did not qualify for this tournament but there was
a second opportunity for Greece to qualify for the Olympics.

This required Greece to beat the 10th qualified team of the Women’s Olympic
Qualifier in a best of three play-off competition. Russia, the 10th
qualified team at the Qualifier, would have kept its place in the Qualifier
regardless of whether it won or lost against Greece. There would, however,
have been four places at stake at the Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament
in Auckland if Greece had qualified, rather than the five now available.

The Women’s Qualifying Tournament for XXVII Olympic Games is being held in
Auckland New Zealand, 19 to 28 Mar 2004.