ISLAMABAD, June 14: The Marketing Committee of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed to allow 650 square centimetres of space on players’ shirts for sponsorship subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

A marketing official of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) who attended a recent FIH meeting revealed on Tuesday that the space would cover the shirt front, its rear (the area over the players’ name and number), both sleeves and the space on both sides of the shirt.

“It was the result of intensive lobbying by us that led to the house agreeing to more space,” the official said.

“Our slogan was more sponsors, more money, better for hockey.”

Currently 350 square centimetres of space is permitted on the shirt front and 80 square centimetres on the left sleeve.

“The left sleeve was good only when a team was facing the camera but after the breather when the sides change halves it could not be seen and that is why we wanted to have the right sleeve too.”

“If the national associations are able to get more sponsors, they will obviously make more money.”

The decisions taken at the meeting have now been sent to the Executive Board of the FIH for approval.