KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will block international appointments for umpires who refuse to officiate national league matches.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the MHC’s top priority is the national team, the welfare of players and coaches, and assisting states in organising competitions.
“I am a volunteer who does not receive a salary or allowances. This is a social responsibility for our country and the sport we love.
“These umpires who complain about payment, most of them work full-time, so they should not view umpiring as a means to make extra money.
“We don’t force you to do the job; it is of your own free will. We will pay you according to what we can afford,” said Subahan at a press conference today at the National Hockey Stadium.
Subahan also said that he had instructed the umpiring committee chairman not to feature umpires who complained on the international stage.
“MHC will write to the International Hockey Federation and Asian Hockey to ban them from umpiring at the international level.
“Some of them get appointments at the world level, at the World Cup, or in huge leagues abroad but they don’t want to officiate in the local leagues.
“If they are so motivated by money, they need to find a different sport.
“Hockey is not where you make money, you should give back to the sport that you supposedly love,” he added.
Subahan was also disappointed that umpires chose to air their grievances in the media rather than follow the established process.
He added that he is aware of those who went to complain about the supposed change in the fees that the umpires received.
“There is a process; they should have brought up their grouses to the umpiring committee and then they will bring it up to the executive board.
“But they chose to go straight to the media, and I know who was involved.
“I want to send a clear message to them: don’t threaten MHC,” said Subahan.
He said that those who went to the media would no longer be given appointments, both locally and internationally.
Previously, Scoop reported that MHC denied allegations of umpire fee rate changes and payment issues in the Malaysian Hockey League.
MHC treasurer Selvendran Savanamuthu assured that claims are thoroughly verified before reimbursement, acknowledging a short delay in processing. – January 31, 2024