Players get conditional nod for ‘rebel’ league

NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday reiterated Hockey India (HI) is the game’s sole national body in the country but conditionally okayed players’ participation in a league organised by a rival federation.

A day after the now de-recognised Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) announced details of an eight-team World Series Hockey (WSH), modelled on the Indian Premier League, the FIH said the December 15, 2011-January 22, 2012 tournament remained an “unsanctioned event”.

“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 governing body said in a statement.

It was an about-turn by the governing body, which had warned players and national associations in January that participating in WSH could lead to a ban from all FIH competitions, including the Olympic Games.

The IHF-backed league will feature players from Australia, Argentina, Spain, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Korea, organisers said.

Disbanded in 2008 after its secretary was caught on camera taking bribe to select a player, IHF was revived by a court order last year but does not enjoy FIH recognition anymore.

“…the FIH recognises Hockey India (HI) as the sole national governing body for hockey in India,” the governing body said.

The rumbling row between IHF and HI has crippled the game in a country that won eight Olympic gold medals but is now considered an also-ran.

Sports minister Ajay Maken has issued an ultimatum to the rival bodies, asking them to agree to a merger by Monday or the government would take a final call to end the stalemate.