OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Wednesday 5.00pm.
THE International Olympic Committee will review the appeal of the South African men’s hockey side after the team was barred from competing in the Sydney Olympics by the National Olympic Committee of South Africa because of racial inequality.
The team was told by Nocsa that it cannot compete at the Games because non-white players are inadequately represented and the side has no chance of finishing among the top nine, despite being African champions.
The South African Hockey Association last week in desperation appealed directly to the IOC, a move which led to Nocsa claiming it has sole authority over team entry.
The IOC, however, said that the case is worthy of inspection, with director general Francois Carrard saying that the body will review the appeal and make its decision known at an executive board meeting held in Rio from May 23-27.
The South African Hocket Association says that the appeal sent to the IOC shows that the national side includes seven black players and it argues that the decision by Nocsa was prejudicial.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has backed the South Africans and has pressed Nocsa to reverse its position. It has also included the side in its Olympic draw.
The South Africans have been drawn into Pool B with Spain, Australia, India, Poland and South Korea.
Argentina will replace the South Africans should the decision to bar them stand.