KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28: England have refused to surrender the hosting rights of next year’s 25th Champions Trophy in favour of Pakistan, president of the International Hockey Federation, Els van Breda Vreisman said Thursday.

Pakistan were to stage the 24th edition of the tournament last November but following the events of Sep 11, the FIH moved the event from Lahore to Rotterdam. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) were hoping that the 25th edition would be awarded to them as compensation. However, Els told a news conference that England did not want to give up their hosting right.

Secretary of the PHF, Brig. Musaratullah Khan had said Wednesday that a decision on the subject would be taken at the FIH Executive Board meeting scheduled for March 6 to 8 in Kuala Lumpur.

Regarding the hosts of the next World Cup, Els said, the FIH had received several requests from countries including Germany, Spain, Australia and England. A decision in this regard is expected in November.

She also spoke about last Sunday’s opening ceremony of the World Cup witnessed by only a handful of fans. “I think the hosts should have planned it in a better manner by scheduling Malaysia’s game soon after the ceremony.”

The home side’s match against Australia started at 8.35 pm while the opening took place in mid-afternoon when the heat and humidity is at its peak. “It is difficult to convince the local organizers as they say they know more about their people.”

Els said that the on-going World Cup that allows for 18 players would not be allowed in future events. “We are comfortable with 16 players.”

Asked if the FIH was doing enough to promote the game globally, she said that they were spending 30 per cent of their budget on development of the sport. “We are also close to securing sponsorship and are trying to improve television coverage and concentrating on other areas too.”

Meanwhile, Els made it clear that Greece as hosts of the 2004 Olympic Games would have to come up to a minimum standard before they are allowed to compete in the hockey tournament. “We are discussing this with the International Olympic Committee and will ensure that standards are maintained.”

“When I went to Greece I watched a training session of their team but I am not optimistic.” However she said that the FIH would do everything within its means to help them with their hockey.

Meanwhile secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation Brig Musaratullah Khan said here that a decision on whether to move the 25th Champions Trophy from England to Pakistan would be made at the FIH’s Executive Board meeting slated for March 6 to 8 in Kuala Lumpur.

In order to compensate Pakistan for that loss, the FIH would make a final decision on the venue. The late switch came as blow to the PHF who were in the final stages of their preparations. A decision on the 2004 Junior World Cup qualifiers and the 2005 Junior World Cup, for which Pakistan are bidding, would also be made at the meeting, Musarrat said.

Musarrat, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday disclosed that a meeting of the Asian Hockey Federation on March 8 would discuss a Pakistani proposal of initiating a yearly four-nation tournament between the top Asian sides with Pakistan hosting the inaugural competition.