FIH is likely to be dragged into court of law

First, they appointed an Election Observer. They appointed later an Agency to Execute the World Cup. Now, it seems, the time has come for the FIH, global governing body of sport of hockey, to seek for an legal expert specific for India.

If the sources are to be believed, the FIH’s interference in the case of appointing Returning Officer for the February 7 Hockey India election has not been taken lightly by a few in the Indian legal business.

Ministry of sports is also perplexed why a neutral body like FIH has to have a say in such a internal affair as Returning Officer — what problem it has if a retired judge is appointed as Returning Officer.

Now that a PIL has been filed in Delhi court, and that the court has issued notices to Hockey India, a few dealing the matter feel the FIH may be dragged into litigation soon, as they have obvioulsy took interest in a particular person as Returning Officer. The FIH has to atleast provide explanation to court, the days are not far, they claim.

Indian sports ministry wants to streamline election process of national sports federations. Its concern is well considered in the face of continued mis-governance of sports by a group of vested Interests. However, FIH’s trouble shooter Ontonio van Ondorza has become almost a trouble maker here, his stand that the IOA appointee is a former Home Secretary, He is a good man, all put in an email to Ministry, is not considered a worth stand by a world body.

In a response to a Public Interest Litigation, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court has given a weeks time to Hockey India to reply the proces of appointing Returning Officer. The HI, which always rides on the shoulder of FIH to fructify its designs on capturing power, is certainly going to say this is a decision endorsed by the FIH.

There is a court judgement in India that empowers Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to formulate and enforce guidelines for Sports Federations which receives its funding. Hockey India certainly gets funds from government of Inda. So, the FIH endorsement coming against a stated gudieline of the Ministry, some anticipate the courts sending a notice to the FIH.

Government of India’s Election Observer too has pointed out that a person from IOA or HI is not acceptable to them as Returning Officer for HI Election.

We feel the FIH, for its own reaons, has stepped too deep into the cesspool of Indian politics, and it appears it is ready to endorse whatever the present controlling body is intereted in. This is a new FIH, their approach is confusing, and also compounding the already stirred up murky waters.