|
|
|
| December 2, 2005 | Friday | Shawwal 29, 1426 |
Saqlain suspended, fined for misconduct
LAHORE, Dec 1: Temperamental Pakistan hockey captain Mohammad Saqlain got fourth penalty of his career on Thursday when International Hockey Federation (FIH) slapped on him three-match suspension and euro 1000 fine for misconduct. The recent penalty by game’s international ruling body came after FIH Judicial Commission decision for hitting an Australian player Craig Victory in the last match of four-nation tournament in Germany in August.
After the recent development, Saqlain will be available only for two matches of the Champions Trophy in Chennai, India, from Dec 10 to 18.
FIH announced the decision after a hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Nov 27. The player was represented by PHF secretary Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan and a Supreme Court lawyer but they failed to convince Judicial Commission.
A spokesman of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said line of action would be decided in a couple of days. The PHF has an option to challenge the decision by appealing before International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In case PHF decides to file an appeal against FIH decision, Saqlain will have a chance to represent the country in all matches of the Champions Trophy since IOC will take some time to take its own decision. The FIH commission has to decide about Saqlain’s fate after seven days but announced after four days.
Saqlain has a history of violent behaviour on pitch and his first penalty came when he was booted out of 2000 Sydney Olympic squad for misconduct. The midfielder was sent home by Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans for hitting team-mate Adnan Maqsood on the eve of departure to Athens for Olympics last year.
However, he staged a comeback after Champions Trophy in Lahore and again was suspended for one match for hitting a South Korean player during Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year. Penalty by FIH was the fourth one for violent behaviour and misconduct.
Meanwhile, PHF has changed the schedule of Pakistan team’s departure to India and now it is likely to go on Dec 3 instead of Dec 5 as visas of the Pakistan squad are yet to be issued.
|
|
|
|
