International Hockey Federation postpones the FIH Pro League matches due to COVID-19 effect

On Thursday, the International Hockey Federation postponed two FIH Pro League matches due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions in competing countries. A match between Britain and Germany (men) was scheduled to be held next weekend, while China and Belgium were to face each other at the women's tournament in January next year.

"With the travel constraints governed by the regulations in place in Germany, Belgium and China due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, the International Hockey Federation (FIH), on request of the travelling teams involved, has decided to postpone the following FIH Hockey Pro League matches," FIH said in a statement.

The FIH further informed that it would continue to closely monitor global health situation and announce new dates for these matches after consulting with stakeholders.

The CEO of FIH, Thierry Weil, said "While it's always a pity to have to take such decisions, we fully understand the situation, and this is the most appropriate course of action to date. We do hope that the global health situation will improve soon, and our thoughts are with all those who are affected at the moment. We're looking forward to enjoying international hockey matches next year again."

The second season of the FIH Hockey Pro League, the annual Global League having the world's best international teams for both men and women, began in January this year and is extended till May 2021 due to the pandemic.