The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has referred an anti-doping case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

An athlete was tested positive at a Belgian national competition second division level match on 12 November 2006.  At the beginning of 2007, the Royal Belgian Hockey Association (ARBH) suspended the athlete for 5 competition matches.

The FIH considered that the decision taken by the ARBH was not in accordance with FIH Anti-Doping Policy and the World Anti-Doping Code which requires the athlete to be suspended for two (2) years. The FIH therefore immediately made an official appeal to the ARBH.

The appeal committee of the ARBH heard the case on 3 December 2007 and decided that the appeal of the FIH was not admissible.  However, the FIH considers that the original sanction and the outcome of the appeal does not comply with its Anti-Doping Policy and the World Anti-Doping Code.

FIH has a responsibility to ensure compliance throughout hockey with the Policy and the Code so has now submitted the case to the CAS. 

The latest edition of the FIH Anti-Doping Policy can be obtained by clicking here.

The FIH will make no further comment on this case except to confirm the conclusion of the CAS after their decision is made.