PHF says no ‘funds’ to pay € 170,000 fine imposed by FIH

Karachi, April 17

The international hockey federation (FIH) has imposed a hefty fine of € 170,000 on the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for not honouring the Pro League commitments but the cash-strapped PHF said it is in no position to pay the penalty. FIH imposed the fine on Pakistan for not sending the national team for the Pro League matches in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. 

PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmed said today that he had requested FIH to reduce the fine and allow it to be paid in instalments. “I told the FIH members that when we didn’t have the funds to send the team for the Pro League, how could we pay such a huge fine,” Ahmed said. “I tried to convince the FIH members that they need to understand the crisis Pakistan hockey is going through and they should be at least giving us support instead of imposing any fines,” he added. 

No ban

“For the moment, I am relieved FIH didn’t ban us but I will continue to lobby to at least allow us pay the fines over instalments,” he added. 

FIH, however, has given PHF time until June 20 to pay the fine or else the penalty would be doubled. — PTI