CAS dismisses IHF plea, rules in favour of HI

New Delhi: 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 judgement 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 CHF 6,000 each to HI and FIH.

"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 sperately to the parties, shall be borne entirely by the IHF," the CAS said in its order.

"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," it added.

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.

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