|
|
| July 16, 2003 | Wednesday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 15, 1424 |
Sohail and Wasim should be banned: Shahnaz exonerated
LAHORE, July 15: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) disciplinary committee has found former manager Pakistan team, Shahnaz Sheikh innocent of anywrongdoing but recommended that Sohail Abbas and Wasim Ahmed should be banned from playing hockey for one year besides imposition of cash fine.
“The allegations against Mr Shahnaz Sheikh were not substantiated as the two players having denied taking prior permission from the ex-coach for their visit abroad. Mr. Shahnaz Sheikh, therefore, is exonerated”, the committee headed by Pervez Saeed Mir of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) observed.
The committee which heard Shahnaz, Sohail, Wasim and the Wapda official Saghir on Monday, handed over its recommendations to the federation on Tuesday.
Announcing the recommendations of the committee, the PHF secretary Brig. Mussaratullah Khan said that it was upto the PHF president to accept any of the recommendation or not.
“The president has the power to increase the term or amount, if any, of the penalty recommended or to reduce it”, the secretary said.
The recommendations are:
“That Mr.Shahnaz Shaikh had nothing to do with Sohail and Wasim going to Germany to play for league hockey”.
“Both the players having committed the mistake, be debarred to participate in hockey activities inside or outside the country for one year”. Keeping in view their past performance, fine be imposed on the players”.
“Wapda hockey team be suspended for one year to participate in all national hockey events”.
“The department (Wapda) should be imposed fine. The Wapda hockey official concerned should be reprimanded for wilful neglect and for issuing NOC to the players although national hockey team’s participation in Australian tournaments was at hand”.
The findings of the committee are:
“The players left for Germany without obtaining the permission of PHF, thereby violating the code of conduct”.
“ The players were under commitment/agreement with the German League Organisers, approximately two month prior to their departure without the consent/ approval of the department as well as PHF”.
“The players realised having made a mistake by not obtaining PHF NOC and also deposed having not sought permission from Shahnaz Sheikh”.
Later Shahnaz said that he was grateful to God that he has been recommended for acquittal from the allegations levelled by a Wapda official.
Talking to Dawn from Sialkot Shahnaz said that he was innocent and had repeatedly denied the baseless charges. “It is victory for the righteous and truth and I am happy at the moment” he added.
He said that he also tendered his resignation as manager of the team to face the two players in the inquiry without any pressure on them of his post.
The former Olympian said that he desires the players should not suffer any damage and that also prompted him to quit as manager.
“Yes, I suffered and had to quit as team manager, but I am a quite satisfied after hearing the recommendations”, Shahnaz said.
He advised Shahnaz and Wasim to forget the past and give full concentration to their game.
Shahnaz claimed that with the proper planning and training, Pakistan team was still able to win the Champions Trophy which is being held in Holland from Aug 16.
When contacted a Wapda spokesman refused to comment on the recommendations saying they had not received any documents in this regard officially.
The spokesman, however, said that Wapda had received the directives of PHF of sending two players Sohail Abbas and Wasim Ahmed to the training camp set up at Karachi.
Meanwhile PHF while pending the final decisions of the inquiry against Sohail and Wasim has directed the players to immediately report in the on going national training camp at the Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi.
PHF secretary said on Tuesday that the decision was taken by president Lt Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan while keeping the national interest supreme.
The camp is in progress to finalise Pakistan team for the 25th Champions Trophy to be held in Holland from Aug 16.
|
|
