England withdraw offer to host 2003 Champions Trophy

English hockey has withdrawn its offer to host the 2003 Champions Trophy due to a major restructuring of the sport in England, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Tuesday.

"It is with much regret that the FIH agreed to England's withdrawal as hosts of the 2003 Champions Trophies for both men and women," said FIH secretary Pete Cohen.

"With the background of problems that English hockey is presently experiencing, we appreciate that their withdrawal gives the FIH time to re-issue the tournaments for general tender, sooner rather than later."

English hockey is undergoing a major overhaul after debts of 700,000 pounds ($1.0 million) were discovered late last year.

As part of the emergency measures, it was decided last month to disband the English Hockey Association (EHA) and replace it with a new limited company, English Hockey Limited.

Hockey president Mike Corbey said: "I know the hockey fraternity were looking forward to the Champions Trophy and watching the world's best teams playing in England.