Good attempt at eyewash: Mittal on FIH’s clean chit to Batra

New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Vice President Sudhanshu Mittal hit back at the International Hockey Federation’s clean chit to its President Narinder Batra. In a letter to FIH CEO Thierry Weil, Mittal said that his first letter which said that Batra was ineligible to be President of the FIH, was addressed to the governing body’s Disciplinary Commissioner Gordon Nurse.

Following the issuance of the complaint by Mittal, the FIH’s Integrity Unit independent chairman Wayne Snell said in a statement that it won’t be taking any action against Batra but Mittal said that Snell’s statements carries no merit.

“There is no merit to the statement of Mr. Snell because I did not question the eligibility of Dr. Batra as FIH President in 2016. My complaint was about the misrepresentation of facts in 2017 and thereafter, which is a violation of the then FIH Statutes,” said Mittal in the letter.A

“I understand the rush you had to issue this statement of the Integrity Officer for a complaint addressed to the Disciplinary Commissioner. Just because Mr (Wayne) Snell issues a statement, it does not make it right. The statement by the Integrity unit holds no power in the Statutes of the FIH. It was a good attempt for eyewash.

“I still insist that my complaint addressed to the FIH Disciplinary Commissioner be adjudicated in accordance with the statutes of the FIH. This would not be, I repeat it would not be the last forum for appeal of truth and justice in the matter.”

Mittal said that Weil “diverted” the complaint and the latter’s actions have confirmed the allegations he made regarding abuse of power by Batra as FIH President.A

“On 10th June, you diverted the complaint to whoever is favourable for a quick statement on the President. You confirmed the allegation I made regarding abuse of power by the President of FIH,” he said.A

–IANS

rkm/pks/arm