Ireland's appeal against a decision to deny them an automatic place at this year's women's World Cup will go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport at a hearing in London next week. The Irish Hockey Association lodged their complaint after the International Hockey Federation (IHF) ordered them to join Lithuania in a play-off which was to be incorporated into the Champions Challenge in South Africa next month.
Ireland had originally earned their World Cup place by finishing seventh at September's qualifying event but their passage was assisted by Lithuania's withdrawal after they had won on penalties only to have the result expunged after the strokes had been taken in the wrong order. The Irish team's subsequent protest was upheld and the game was ordered to be replayed - which Lithuania refused to do, therefore allowing their opponents to progress.
After the conclusion of the event the Lithuanians, requesting the original penalty shoot-out result stand, appealed to the FIH who subsequently ruled that they should be given another chance to qualify. The decision was unacceptable to both nations and they both lodged appeals with the Court of Arbitration, which will convene on January 25.
Filed by Shane Murray
