As most great leaders know there is a time to be heard and a time to be silent. This is what makes them great, being able to differentiate between the two.
If you misjudge those moments it can result in your demise.
The German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche famously said “Silence is worse: all truths that are kept silent become poisonous.” In todays world communication is more essential than ever before as born from silence is speculation and innuendo, and via social media it can spread like wildfire, and is soon out of control.
Last week the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation met via video link to discuss the findings in the High Court of Delhi in India regarding the National Association, Hockey India and their President Mr Narinder Batra.
The High Court has put in place a Committee of Administrators to take over the day to day running of Hockey India. One of their other tasks according to the court documents is to “assist in the preparation and adoption of the Constitution of R2 (Hockey India) as per the Sports Code and court rulings.”
This ruling, and the wording used means that Hockey India is unconstitutional. As a result its teams should have been suspended from International participation until such time as a new constitution has been approved. However this has not happened.
Section 2.3 (v) of the FIH Statutes in relation to Criteria for Membership states:
“The Executive Board must have confirmed that its constitution or Statutes (and any amendments thereto from time to time) the Sanctioned and Unsanctioned Events Regulations, and the AntiCorruption Regulations are compliant and consistent in all respects with these Statutes and the Regulations. The Members’ constitution or rules and regulations must provide for a transparent procedure that guarantees the complete independence of its election(s) and appointment(s).”
The Indian men’s team completed their Asian Cup campaign and finished with a bronze medal, and both the mens and women’s teams competed in the FIH Fives tournament in Lausanne. There was no comment from the FIH and there was equally no comment from the other Member nations; at least not publicly.
The FIH Women’s World Cup is due commence on the 1st of July and once again India will be represented.
The FIH Executive Board it is alleged have delayed any announcement on their President or Hockey India until their next meeting in Spain during the Women’s World Cup.
Incredibly yesterday in a quasi-interview put out by the FIH with its CEO Thierry Weil he stated “It’s 100% clear that every National Association has to make sure that its Statutes are compliant with the sports code of the local authorities. Therefore, if this is not the case for Hockey India at the moment, then this has to happen. However, this situation does not affect FIH’s full trust in Hockey India. Indeed, Hockey India has been and continues to be a key actor of the development of our sport, not only in the country, but also for the world, as an outstanding organiser of numerous FIH events.”
This has nothing to do with trust, or India’s commitment to developing the sport. The Fundamental purposes of the FIH as listed in their own Statutes are in section 1.4:
“(b) to govern and regulate the sport at the international level, and to recognise Continental Federations and National Associations to govern and regulate the sport at a continental/national level, in accordance with and subject to the FIH’s ultimate authority over the sport;
(c) to protect the independence and autonomy of the FIH and its Members and Continental Federations to govern and regulate the sport, including exercising the right of democratic elections free from any outside influence;“
One wonders if such a stance would have been taken if the situation had occurred in another of the member nations. The FIH’s own statutes go on to state that the member Association must be constitutional. It is their job as those overseeing the Governance of the sport to ensure that this is the case. Article 10.1 subsection C – Recognised Organisations and Adherent Organisations part (i) reads that they:
“have the freedom to operate in accordance with their constitutions. The Executive Board must have confirmed that its constitution (including any amendments thereto from time to time) is compliant and consistent with these Statutes and Regulations.”
Section (V) goes on to state in the second part: “The Executive Board reserves the right in its entire discretion to withdraw its recognition if the activities of the organisation concerned are not in the opinion of the Executive Board satisfactory.”
A court of Law ruled that the activities of the organisation was far from satisfactory. That is why the Court appointed a Committee of Administrators.
It would appear that Mr Weil is trying to deflect attention from the fact that the FIH is heavily dependent, some would go so far as to say solely reliant on sponsorship monies from India, and that the reason for the Executive Board’s silence is that in a manner of speaking, that silence has been bought.
Of the FIH’s six Global Partners and Suppliers three are from India, and these are the ones who are apparently contributing the major money to the FIH’s coffers. These companies are Hero, who incidentally sponsored the Fives in Lausanne, Odisha the Indian state that is bank rolling next year’s Men’s World Cup, and Dream 11 an online fantasy gaming platform which can only be used in India.
The other partners are NAGRA Kudelski who set up the OTT platform for the FIH via the Watch Hockey app. It is believed that they have invested in this rather than paid the FIH any money, and it is claimed that with viewing numbers well below what was predicted the relationship at present is strained as they look to increase engagement. Will it last the ten years? Osaka are kit suppliers, and again it is believed that this arrangement is more about supplying umpires and officials with branded gear than an actual monetary investment. The final one is Polytan, which is the official playing surface of choice. They do contribute financially, but it has been alleged they soon make that investment back when a Member nation lays one of their pitches.
So it would appear that all of the money coming into the FIH is coming from India. Which begs the question what the Global Head of Sales has been doing since stepping into the new position almost five years ago. The then CEO Jason McCracken was quoted as saying “”To recruit someone of Ricky’s experience is a hugely significant appointment for the FIH. His market knowledge plus strong relationships with global brands will undoubtedly help us drive the commercial value of our sport as we move towards an important period for hockey.”
The appointment of CEO Thierry Weil in March 2018 was again expected to generate new sponsors as when his appointment was announced the President Mr Batra stated that he came to the FIH with “a strong, successful commercial background with the know-how that comes from a decade of working at the largest international sporting federation in the world.”
Mr Weil spent over 25 years working for Adidas and held the position of ‘Vice President, Global Football Sports’ between 2003 and 2007, before enjoying a ten-year spell as the ‘Director of Marketing’ with FIFA at their headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The only difference is sponsors are queueing up to be a part of FIFA, they come to you. In Hockey you have to source them. Proof was when a number of major sponsors withdrew from FIFA following the Executive Board scandal, but the sport had no trouble finding replacements.
It is clear that commercially the FIH is dependent on India.
It is hard to know exactly where the FIH stands financially as there is no Financial report available since 2018-19. As to why, this is a question the National Associations need to ask the Executive Board, as it is their responsibility to ensure that these are produced and published each year.
In the last Financial Report Ernst & Young carried out a limited statutory examination in accordance with the Swiss standards. As they state “a limited statutory examination consists primarily of inquiries of company personnel and analytical procedures as well as detailed tests of company documents as considered necessary in the circumstances. However, the testing of operational processes and the internal control system, as well as inquiries and further testing procedures to detect fraud or other legal violations, are not within the scope of this examination.”
Ernst & Young drew attention to a section “Cash Flow & Subsequent Events,” where it was stated that the creation of the Pro-League had impacted heavily on the accounts. The last paragraph of this section states “Several structural and financial measures have been decided and taken to remediate this situation. Thanks to all measures taken, the FIH Budgets for 2020 to 2022 are secured and show an important profit in 2022, following the FIH World Cups.”
Which again could be a reason why no decisions have been made on the Indian national teams continued participation while its Association is unconstitutional. It comes down to money.
What it does not explain on the surface is the lack of comment in relation to the findings in the High Court in relation to the FIH’s figurehead, its President Mr Batra.
Once again could this be because all of the Hockey Member Associations or members of the Executive Board have at some stage accepted benefits that have gone undeclared? As mentioned in Voting Rights and Wrongs back at the 2016 FIH Congress the newly elected President announced that all attending the 2018 event in Delhi would receive “two rooms, one double and one single as complimentary full board. Which means including breakfast, lunch and dinner along with four pieces of laundry each day, to see that, to ensure that the family stays together.” Generous as this was, was it ethical? Who spoke up then and questioned whether this was right?
The same offer was on the table when the Congress was due to return to India in 2020, again no one appears to have spoken up. This Congress did not take place due to the Covid Pandemic. Eventually it was held in 2021 and via a video link.
If all the member National Associations received such generous hospitality when they travelled to India one can only imagine what members of the Executive Board may have received. India is an incredibly hospitable country and its people extremely friendly, hospitable and giving. However once you hold such a position you are duty-bound to record and register any gifts or benefits to ensure that you are above suspicion should any accusation ever be laid that you have been influenced in any way on any matter.
The video Congress in 2021 would see an election for President of the FIH. To be the winner the candidate had to have an absolute majority. Mr. Batra achieved exactly the amount required. Of the 124 votes, including those from the three newly elected Members at the Congress, which was in itself debatable as to whether they were entitled to vote, Mr. Batra attained the required absolute majority, receiving 63 votes to the 61 given to his opponent Marc Coudron of Belgium.
Bearing in mind how close the outcome was it would appear that almost half of the FIH Members were not in favour of returning Mr Batra to office. That being the case surely by deferring a decision until the meeting at the World Cup in Spain can be construed as the Executive Board thumbing its nose at those member nations?
Certainly it would appear that some of those nations are not happy with the silence. There are rumblings that attempts may be made to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting. However as per the Statutes such a meeting has be convened “within ninety (90) days of receipt by the CEO of a request signed by at least
one fifth (1/5) of all full Members, stating the matters to be discussed at the meeting.” Then it will be left to the Executive Board to determine the date and the venue.
Transparency is the key. If the sport is that dependent on the money from India be up front about it. At present the silence is causing more damage than anything else, it is giving the impression that as far as Hockey is concerned what occurred in the High Court in Delhi is nothing to worry about. This silence is destabilising.
Many are asking would the same silence exist if it were any other country whose National Association found itself in a similar situation? As an elected Board member your duty is to be impartial, to be transparent and to act with integrity and to always do what is right and best for the company you are entrusted to oversee.
As quoted at the start, ‘all truths that are kept silent become poisonous,’ and as Martin Luther King said “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” There cannot be one rule for some, and another for the rest. If there is, everyone looks to understand the reason why.
Thank you John for your comment.
You raise a very valid point in relation to Swiss Law. I will endeavour to check this out.
I do agree that the failure to produce one falls back on the board and the CEO, and there has to be some accountability.
As for the roles on the board I had noted that previously, one counter argument to this will be that many are on various FIH committees, however one has to ask is that the role of a board member? By all means be an observer, but is it acceptable to have an active role, when you are supposed to be impartial?
As for being like FIFA, you are not the first to make that observation.
For any change the members/ National Associations must find their voices
If those who are elected to govern fail to govern, there is no hope.
Surely under Swiss law the FIH must produce a financial report each year? To have not produced one for 2019-20 and 2020-21, and with 2021-22 due imminently, I would say that all Board members who have been involved during this period are culpable, and need to be removed immediately. They should also be banned from holding any administrative position in the game.
If that is going too far the CEO and the President must go.
What is interesting is that the FIH website does not list who is Vice President or who is the Treasurer on the Board, standard roles on most executive boards. Expertise is recognised with key responsibilities, but it appears that no one has any responsibilities.
This organisation is becoming more like FIFA under Batra every year. However unlike the EB at FIFA who raked in millions for themselves it looks as if these individuals are losing the game millions!
However, the president has followed Blatter and ensured he stays in power by being assured the votes from Africa, Asia and Pan America. So how is he and the board going to be overthrown?
Was it a coincidence that the new members of the FIH all came from Asia and Africa? That they helped secure the President a second term. How many of these nations meet the criteria in the Statutes? Do they have a constitution? Are they gender equal? Do they even have a competition?
It looks like it will need to be legal, as it was with FIFA. Maybe the lack of a Financial Report gives those nations serious about the sport a chance to make change?
But will they speak up and are there enough of them?
Thank you Martin, I was unaware of any of this.
It does make you question the validity of the Rules committee.
Thank you Simon.
The lack of a financial report since 2019 is worrying, as this is something that the Board are supposed to ensure is produced. I find it extremely concerning that the Members the National Associations are not asking for these. Maybe they are and we are not aware of it, but it is a concern.
You are correct that at the time that India was awarded the World Cup there was nbot teh infrastructure in place. I also believe it was post bid that it was announced that it would be hosted by two cities. I was informed teh decision was “purely financial.”
If Mr Batra is not there in a role with the FIH or HI I am sure it will be strange, but one gets the feeling that he may well still be there if left to the Board. Time will tell…
Ashley,
A tremendous piece of writing, thank you for your efforts to continually keep this information front of mind for the hockey and sporting community.
There is so much in there to explore. But one has to wonder why the National Associations have not demanded a more detailed position and analysis of the FIH’s financial position and accounting practices and behaviors. They have every right to do this as members, and more so they have every right to hold their Continental Federation Presidents accountable through this process.
The Indian court ruling appears to suggest that any financial misappropriation be investigated. Does that then mean that there are questions to be asked around the reliance in FIH’s sponsorship from India, and how any funds distributed from FIH to Continental Federations have been used? Please correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t the 2023 Men’s World Cup was awarded to a location in India that didn’t possess the basic infrastructure as set out in the bidding documentation?
And from this, if Batra is removed from his IOA role, stripped of any Hockey India official titles, and removed from the FIH presidency, one has to wonder what the environment will be like at the 2023 World Cup when the once powerful is no longer.
It appears that sport will never rid itself of this alleged behavior. As those in power, by whatever means they arrived there, will seemingly continue to engage in conflicting espoused vs practical behaviors and not do anything to upset those who helped them arrive there, or those around them who keep them there.
One has to question the integrity of the FIH board of not being more active and vocal regarding this. It really is to flip a coin at the World Cup to see if they will overshadow such an event with the removal of a president, or delay even further. As if the Pro League wasn’t enough of a tragic moment for hockey, the conduct of those at the top is even more disappointing and potentially terminal.
In the article it is said “Would this happen with any other country?” in relation to following the rules of governance. The answer is – Yes.
In 2018 the Royal Dutch hockey Board Umpiring Association sent a letter to its umpires informing them that during a penalty corner legitimate evasive action no longer applied to defenders positioned in front of the goal when a shot at the goal was taken. Thereby removing the protection of the dangerously played ball Rule from such defenders.
Shortly after I became aware of this infraction I wrote to Jon Wyatt at the FIH to inquire if the FIH Rules Committee or the FIH Executive (Jointly the sole Rule authority) had approved this change to the Rules. Jon Wyatt informed me that they had not – and the matter would be looked into.
Nothing appears to have been done to correct what the Dutch have done to the Rule.
I have written twice to Jon Wyatt since 2018 in an attempt to discover what action is being taken. There has been none. The original instruction to umpires in the Netherlands remains in place.
How many other National Associations have made made an unauthorized change to the Rules to which the game is played?
The answer seems to be – All of them – because other Associations appear to be following the Dutch lead on this matter. The Rule, as published by the FIH in the rule-book remains unchanged.
I also wonder what communications have been circulated among umpires regarding the Obstruction Rule which is now rarely (if ever) applied.