PHF to raise Australian pullout issue with FIH

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LAHORE, Oct 28: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said on Thursday it would raise the issue of Australia's pullout from December's Champions Trophy at International Hockey Federation (FIH) meetings.

Australia, who won the Olympic gold in Athens earlier this year, were among the six participants of the Champions Trophy to be organized here from Dec 4 to 12.

They refused to visit Pakistan citing security fears as the reason and after being advised by the Australian government. India have replaced Australia.

FIH Congress and the Executive Board meetings are scheduled to meet in the last week of November in Germany where Pakistan will raise the issue. FIH, however, has already approved Australia's decision.

The official said FIH had prepared the Trophy draws after consulting PHF.

"We decided to face Germany in the opener as they will be participating after having practice sessions in indoor stadium," the PHF official said.

Pakistan's Rashed Mahmood and Faiz Mohammad have been included in the panel of umpires, former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqi will be in panel of judges, while former PHF secretary Mudassar Asghar will act as one of the two technical directors at Champions Trophy.

FIH will give 70 per cent of the total sponsorship to PHF which will be spent on organizing the competition.

PHF official said 90 per cent renovation of the National Hockey Stadium had been completed and the venue would be ready before Eid. The new pitch will be laid by Nov 10.

APP ADDS: PHF said FIH had sold the title sponsorship at $100,0000 of which Pakistan would get 70 per cent.

There was no restriction by the FIH on seeking sponsorships from co-sponsors and associate sponsors, he added.

"We are in the process of finalising deals with co and associate sponsors and it would be a profit making venture for the PHF," the official said but refused to disclose the target set by PHF for revenue generation.

PHF official said that entry into the stadium would be free till Dec 11 when all the pool matches and semi-finals will be completed.

"We have not decided yet whether we should collect gate money for the final and the classification matches on Dec 12. We will take decision about it soon," he said.

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