Ice Hockey Body Faces Sanctions Over Anthem Debacle

Sports authorities say they believe the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association failed to follow rules on handling the national anthem before a blunder at a tournament in Bosnia – a finding that puts the sport's government funding in jeopardy.

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SF&OC) said it would discuss with the government what sanctions were appropriate after its investigation into the incident last month, in which a song associated with the 2019 protests was played in place of March of the Volunteers.

Under rules introduced last year, sports bodies found to have breached guidelines relating to the SAR anthem or flag can be suspended from the federation or have their government subvention suspended.

In a report submitted to the government, the federation accused the ice hockey body of failing to explain when and where the right version of the anthem was provided to tournament organisers.

"Despite persistent questioning by SF&OC, [the association] has been evasive and failed to address such questions in their two reports. It is therefore strongly believed that [the association] did not perform the duty in accordance with the guidelines," it said in a statement.

The federation also said the association breached rules by sending a WhatsApp message to athletes about what to do if the anthem isn't played correctly, when the rules say a proper briefing should be held.

The SF&OC said it believed the association clearly didn't comply with the rules. It said the government should consider implementing "possible and appropriate" sanctions in conjunction with the federation.

The government, meanwhile, said it has received the report and will examine it, adding officials will discuss with the SF&OC follow-up actions. It stressed that it strongly disapproves of the anthem mistake, and will surely set out punishment for irregularities.

Rules on handling the SAR's anthem and flag were introduced last year after blunders at two international rugby competitions.

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