FIH Raises Concerns Over Parallel Bodies in Pakistan Hockey Federation
FIH has stated that the issue should be resolved by the end of this week.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has reached out to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) concerning the presence of parallel bodies within the organization, expressing concerns over potential implications for the national team’s future engagements.
In a letter addressed to the PHF, the FIH sought clarity on the officially recognized representatives of the PHF amid the leadership dispute between Tariq Bugti and Shehla Raza.
The FIH emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue to ensure Pakistan's participation in upcoming tournaments such as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the FIH Nations Cup.
However, the FIH President, Tayyab Ikram, will not be directly involved in the resolution process to maintain impartiality, leaving the matter to be handled by the FIH senior management.
Failure to address the situation internally and promptly could potentially lead to intervention by the Pakistan Government and/or the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) at the FIH's behest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has empowered Advisor on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood to oversee the resolution process, considering the legal and constitutional aspects.
A meeting is expected on April 25 to discuss the PHF's status, where Mashhood will engage with the breakaway federation led by Shehla to ascertain their perspective.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is scheduled from May 4 to 11 in Malaysia, while the FIH Nations Cup will be held from May 31 to June 9 in Poland.
