IHA informed of Lithuanian protest

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially informed the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) of Lithuania's official …

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially informed the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) of Lithuania's official protest against the decision to order a replay of their World Cup Qualifier penalty strokes shoot-out against Ireland in September, almost a month after they received it.

The federation's disciplinary committee will hear Lithuania's appeal on November 28th in Brussels and has invited the IHA to make a submission to the committee "as your association and its team may be affected by the outcome of the protest".

Peter Cohen, honorary general secretary of the FIH, has "determined that, in accordance with the FIH statutes and bye-laws, Lithuania have a prima facia case".

In response, the IHA said it "strongly holds the view that our senior squad qualified for the World Cup, and did so in accordance with the rules and regulations of hockey and the FIH".

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The IHA will make a formal submission to the disciplinary committee and will also attend the November meeting in Brussels.

Meanwhile at Belfield today, UCC and Queens, respectively, will open the defence of the Chilean and Mauritius Cups they won in Limerick last year at the Intervarsities tournament .

UCC start their campaign against NUIG before meeting Queens later in the day, while hosts UCD will be the first opponents for the defending men's champions.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times