The IHF has confirmed that it has received official notification from Irish Hockey Union (IHU) and Lithuania Hockey Federation (LHF) of their appeals to the Court of Sports Arbitration (CAS) against the recent ruling of the FIH Disciplinary Commission (DC). FIH will request CAS to hasten the arbitration process in order that a decision be made as early as possible, given the tight timeframe in which to determine the final qualification for the 10th Women's World Cup.
The South African Hockey Association (SAHA) has notified IHF that it is unable to host an expanded eight-nation Champions Challenge tournament, which was recommended by the DC as a solution to the dispute. SAHA cited 'various reasons including the extra financial burden' as grounds. The 1st Women's Champions Challenge will take place as previously scheduled, that is as a six nation tournament to be held in Randburg, South Africa, in mid-February next year.
The Deutscher Hockey Bund (DHB) yesterday notified IHF of its withdrawal from the competition, due to the change of dates clashing with its indoor competition schedule. Japan will be invited to the competition as first reserve.
Meanwhile, the draw has taken place for the third round of the Sharwoods Irish Women's Senior Cup. Cup holders, Ballymoney have a home tie against University of Limerick with last years beaten finalist Pegasus drawn away to fellow Ulster side Belfast Harlequins. All ties will be played on Saturday February 2nd and the draw is as follows:
Portadown V Old Alexandra
Ballymoney V University of Limerick
Cork Harlequins V Knock
Belfast Harlequins V Pegasus
Loreto V Victorians
Hermes V Randalstown
Bandon V Ballymena
U.C.D. V Coleraine
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
