CAS backing for Hockey India set to end ongoing governing body dispute

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CAS backing for Hockey India set to end ongoing governing body dispute

September 22, 2015

In a major legal victory for Hockey India (HI), the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) has dismissed Indian Hockey Federation's (IHF) plea to be the sole governing body of the sport in the country, thereby drawing curtains on a seven-year old power tussle.

The IHF had filed a case in CAS in Switzerland in relation to their de-recognition by the Indian Olympic Association and subsequently by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2008.

The CAS judgment not only dismissed IHF's all appeals, it has also directed the de-recognised body to bear all the litigation and arbitration costs and pay CHF6,000 (A$8,500) each to HI and FIH.

CAS order stated "the appeal filed by the IHF is fully dismissed.

"In the light of the outcome of this appeal, the panel determines that costs of the arbitration, to be calculated by the CAS office and communicated separately to the parties, shall be borne entirely by the IHF.

"As a general rule, the CAS grants the prevailing party a contribution towards its legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the proceedings.

"The panel finds it fair to order IHF to make a contribution of CHF 6,000 towards the legal fees and expenses of each of the FIH and Hockey India."

In November last year, the IHF had challenged both the FIH and the HI for incorrectly and unfairly applying the rules for recognition and also sought recognition from the FIH as a member from India.

Even though the CAS agreed that the change in FIH statutes affected the IHF's position, it refused any relief to the appellant, saying the changes were "necessary and neutral in their effect."

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2nd August 2011 - FIH OBJECTS TO INDIAN HOCKEY TRUCE

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