FIH Intervenes in Pakistan Hockey Federation Leadership Dispute

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken notice of the ongoing issue of two parallel hockey federations in Pakistan. The FIH has issued a notice to both factions, directing them to present their respective positions and evidence by April 25, 2024. The intervention follows a letter sent by Haider Hussain, the Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), informing the FIH about the situation.

In the letter, the FIH emphasized that there is no place for parallel organizations within the constitutions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIH, and PHF. The FIH has requested clarification on who are the correct and officially recognized representatives of the PHF, as there are two parallel bodies led by Tariq Bugti and Shehla Raza.

The FIH President, Tayyab Akram, has been kept out of the matter due to his association with Pakistan, suggesting the FIH's unbiased position. The FIH also plans to engage with the Pakistan Olympic Association to explore collaborative solutions with the government.

The FIH's Senior Director, John, stressed the importance of Pakistani players' participation in international events and the need for a unified approach to represent the country in global hockey competitions. The FIH has stated that it is a priority for the athletes of Pakistan to participate in upcoming tournaments, such as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the FIH Nations Cup, and has urged the PHF to resolve the internal issues by the end of the week, or else the players' participation will be in jeopardy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is the patron-in-chief of the PHF, has empowered the Advisor on Youth Affairs, Rana Mashhood, to decide on the fate of the breakaway federation in the best interest of the game, considering the legal and constitutional position. A meeting is expected on April 25 to tackle the problem.

Rana Mujahid, the PHF Secretary, confirmed the FIH's contact and stated that they will provide the FIH with their stance backed by constitutional evidence by Thursday. According to the federation's constitution, Tariq Bugti secured a vote of confidence from the Congress following the Prime Minister's nomination, with the entire procedure reportedly conducted in the presence of representatives from the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

Why this matters: The resolution of the leadership dispute within the Pakistan Hockey Federation is crucial for the country's participation in upcoming international tournaments and the overall development of the sport in Pakistan. The FIH's intervention highlights the significance of having a unified and recognized governing body for hockey in the country.

The FIH has set an April 25 deadline for the breakaway federation to sort out the differences, after which the government and POA's recommendations will be sought. Failure to reach an agreement between the two parties will result in the FIH seeking intervention and resolution from the government or the POA. As the situation unfolds, the hockey community in Pakistan eagerly awaits the outcome of the meeting scheduled for April 25, which will <a href="https://www.hockeywrldnws.com/pakistan-fih-gives-ultimatum-to-

Key Takeaways

• FIH notices 2 parallel hockey bodies in Pakistan, seeks clarification by April 25, 2024.
• FIH urges Pakistan to resolve internal issues or players' participation in tournaments will be at risk.
• PM's advisor empowered to decide on breakaway federation, meeting expected on April 25.
• FIH intervention highlights need for unified, recognized governing body for hockey in Pakistan.
• Failure to reach agreement may result in FIH seeking intervention from government or POA.