Claim of 'fix' attempt on British denied

Hockey

The Great Britain team manager, David Whittle, has described claims that he was approached to fix a match during the Olympic qualifying tournament that finished in Barcelona on Sunday as "absolute nonsense".

Canada, who failed to qualify, have lodged an official complaint with the International Federation over the match between India and Malaysia. The game finished goalless, earning Malaysia the point they needed to win a place in Atlanta at Canada's expense.

A Canadian official, Donald Patterson, who has demanded an official inquiry, claimed the Malaysians had earlier attempted to persuade the British team to offer a contrived result.

"As the teams went on to the pitch, one Malaysian official jokingly said it would suit both teams if there was a draw," Whittle said. "I told him that, after drawing four games out of five in Barcelona, my boys would be going flat out for a win.

"I am not aware that anyone other than our captain, Jason Laslett, exchanged words with the Malaysians and he has told me that no offers or suggestions were made regarding the result." Britain went on to win the match 3-2.