Hong Kong, China, April 4, 2023: After discussions with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China today issued a letter to the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association, launching the procedures to suspend HKIHA's membership.
HKIHA is given a month's notice - according to the Articles of Association of the Federation - to provide a full written explanation in relation to their non-compliance with the relevant Guidelines to handle the national anthem in a dignified manner, together with a plan of improvement on corporate governance, by May 4.
Otherwise, SF&OC will, by a Special Resolution, exercise the power to suspend HKIHA's membership. The decision is supported by the HKSAR Government.
The move follows the playing of the wrong national anthem of the Hong Kong, China team at the IIHF World Championship Division III game on February 28, despite strict guidelines on this matter issued by the SF&OC to all member federations before attending international competitions.
The Olympic governing body asked the ice hockey association for a full explanation as to why the mistake took place, but they were not satisfied with reports produced by the association on March 10 and March 20 or by the results of a meeting between the two parties on March 23.
“Judging from the manner in which HKIHA handled the incident, and the consolidated findings from the meeting between HKIHA and SF&OC, SF&OC concluded that the corporate governance of HKIHA is in dire need of improvement," SF&OC said in a staement.
"The Executive Committee of HKIHA obviously lacks internal communication and clear division of roles and responsibilities among committee members, thereby leading to the Committee's failure to act with the appropriate due diligence and integrity expected.”
SF&OC said the competitions and training of the athletes and teams would not be affected by the investigation.
“SF&OC hopes that HKIHA will strengthen the governance and accountability of its leadership, for capably and effectively leading the healthy development of HKIHA and the ice hockey sport in future.”
Issued by: Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China Date: 4 April 2023