FIH defends its decision to legalise betting in hockey

The International Hockey Federation defended its decision to partner with Spring Media for bringing in betting platforms by saying the move will generate funds for game development.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) defended its decision to partner with Sweden-based Spring Media, a service provider for betting platforms on January 14, stating that it is a vehicle to generate funds for the development of the game.

The FIH recently partnered with Spring Media to offer fans a betting package that includes all of its events, representing more than 1,300 matches across four years.

While many in the hockey fraternity raised eyebrows following the move, the FIH has said that legal betting is the way forward in the world of sport.

"We have signed with a legal betting entity, so there is no question at all of integrity. It's completely legal and controlled. And of course, when it comes to integrity and of the hockey members in general, not only linked to betting but every type of behaviour, the FIH has an integrity code in place and has had an integrity unit for a couple of years," a top FIH official told PTI on the sidelines of the Women's Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi.

"Of course, it is a move to bring in some funds. We like all sports pretty much need resources to be able to fulfil our mission, which is to develop the sport and make way for some financial resources. It's a partnership and it's an additional way to get resources which is very usual in the world of sport."

Asked when the partnership is starting, the official said: "It is starting now because things are already in place for the qualifiers."

India has been the FIH's top market in the last decade or so in terms of sponsorships and monetary benefits, and the world body official stressed that the country will continue to hold its significance despite the sport spreading its wings to other parts of the world.