KARACHI, Dec 2: International Hockey Federation (FIH) said on Friday Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) could appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport against suspension of Mohammad Saqlain but believed it has to produce new evidence.

“If PHF is not satisfied with the decision of the FIH Judicial Commission, they are able to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Although I am not certain of this and cannot confirm, I believe that PHF must produce new evidence if they want the appeal to be heard,” FIH communications manager, Matthew Slade, told Dawn from Lausanne, Switzerland.

Saqlain, temperamental midfielder known for his violent behaviour on pitch, has been slapped a three-match suspension and euro 1,000 fine after being found guilty of dangerous conduct by FIH Judicial Commission. He was penalised after a hearing by the Commission last Sunday in Lausanne. The half-back was found guilty of deliberately raising his stick at Hamburg Masters in August.

The incident was reported to the FIH Judicial Commission after Australia’s Craig Victory suffered a broken jaw and other facial injuries. It is the fourth penalty of Saqlain’s career for misconduct.

Saqlain was represented by secretary PHF Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan and a Supreme Court lawyer who failed to convince the Commission.

The centre-half, also named captain for Champions Trophy squad despite facing an inquiry, was booted out from 2000 Sydney Olympics squad for misconduct before foreign coach Roelant Oltmans sent him home for hitting team-mate Adnan Maqsood during sessions a day before departure for Athens Olympics last year.

Saqlain made a comeback only to get one-match suspension for deliberately hitting a South Korean player at Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year.

Asked why FIH decided to probe into the incident after the tournament and Saqlain was not penalised soon after the match or event, Slade said it was done because of technicalities involved in the matter.

“The investigation was something that took some time to compile and could not be done immediately after the match. Reports had to be received from the various parties before a decision to convene the Judicial Commission was made,” said FIH spokesman.

The FIH official, however, refrained from offering comments when pointed out Saqlain’s view point that “the matter has been blown out of proportion.”

“I am not willing to make a statement on any comments made by Saqlain. FIH secretary-general reviewed the evidence and decided that Saqlain had a case to answer,” said Slade.

FIH says if PHF is not satisfied with the decision of game’s ruling international body it can go to International Olympic Committee’s Court of Arbitration for Sport to file an appeal against the decision.

Saqlain will be able to take part in Champions if PHF decides to go to IOC for an appeal.

Our Lahore Sports Correspondent adds: PHF said on Friday it would decide by Tuesday whether to go to IOC for an appeal against FIH decision.

“We are discussing the issue with our president and lawyer. Hopefully we will take final decision by Tuesday,” PHF secretary Musarrat Ullah Khan told a news conference.

If PHF decides against going for an appeal Saqlain will not be able to play first three matches of Champions Trophy in Chennai, India, from Dec 10 to 18.

The secretary said the decision was announced at a time when team was about to leave for the Champions Trophy and if Saqlain missed the event it would be a big “setback” for Pakistan. Pakistan team is to leave for India on Saturday.

PHF is cautious before going for an appeal as it expects a possible reaction by FIH in case of going to IOC.

Musarrat did not answer when asked to explain the reason why three Pakistani players had been penalised during three major tournaments by the technical bench and not the umpires. However, he admitted that it was an alarming situation for PHF.

Instead, he asked the reporters to suggest why Pakistani players had been penalised.

The secretary was optimistic about a decision from IOC in favour of Saqlain. He was also hoping for s positive decision by FIH earlier.

Coach Asif Bajwa said if Saqlain was not available he would go for a combination of centre-half Adnan Maqsood along with left-in Tariq Aziz.