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England withdraws from Champions Trophy; Korea asked to step in

Following the withdrawal of the England men's hockey team from the 20th Men's Champions Trophy, to take place later this month in Pakistan, the International Hockey Federation announced that South Korea has been invited to participate.

Their confirmation is expected by the end of the week.

South Korea were the next highest ranked team after England in the 1998 men's World Cup, and are therefore the next eligible participants for the event, scheduled for 31st October - 8th November in Lahore.

"I am sure England's decision was not an easy one and was arrived at after much serious consideration," said FIH Hon. Secretary General, Els van Breda Vriesman. "We regret that one of the qualified teams will not participate, however, the FIH respects England's decision," she added.

To date, the FIH has received no negative responses from the four other foreign participating teams, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Spain.

The FIH, along with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, are continuing preparations to ensure the success of its premier annual men's tournament, which this year marks its 20th anniversary and the 10th time it has been organised in Pakistan. The FIH's support will not only be in spirit, but in body as well, with the next meeting of the FIH Executive Board scheduled for 7th November in Lahore.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation, in a letter from its Secretary Mr. Syed Mudassar Asghar, today reassured the FIH stating "the conditions in Pakistan are very peaceful and tranquil." He added that the Australian Cricket team is currently on a long tour of Pakistan, the South African Cricket team is expected in Pakistan later this month and that an international boxing event to be attended by some 20 countries is scheduled in Pakistan from 19-25 October.

The FIH was notified of the withdrawal by English Hockey late yesterday. English Hockey stated in a press release, also issued yesterday, that "the decision has been taken following consideration of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice (to British subjects) which deters 'non-essential visits' to the region and suggests that any visitors 'adopt a low profile'."

Possible consequences for England's eligibility for the 1999 Champions Trophy will be discussed at the next meeting of the FIH Competitions Committee, scheduled for late November in Brussels.