The case involves a dispute between the Irish Hockey Association (IHA), the Lithuanian Hockey Federation (LHF), and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding a qualification match for the 10th Women’s World Cup in 2002. The match between Lithuania and Ireland ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty stroke competition. After the first series of five penalty strokes, the score remained tied, and a sudden-death series ensued. The umpire incorrectly directed Ireland to take the first stroke of the second series, violating Tournament Regulation 11.4, which required the order of strokes to alternate. Lithuania won the competition, but the IHA protested the umpire's error. The Tournament Director upheld the protest, ordering a replay of the second series, which Lithuania refused to participate in, resulting in Ireland being awarded the match and advancing in the tournament.
The LHF appealed to the FIH Disciplinary Commission, which ruled that while the umpire breached Regulation 11.4, there was no evidence this affected the outcome. The Commission declared Lithuania the winner but penalized them for refusing the replay, requiring them to participate in a further qualifying event. The Commission also adjusted tournament standings, placing Scotland in 5th and requiring Ireland, Lithuania, India, and the USA to compete in an expanded Champions Challenge event for remaining World Cup spots. The IHA challenged the Disciplinary Commission’s jurisdiction, arguing the Tournament Director’s decision was final under FIH regulations, while the LHF sought partial alteration of the Commission’s decision to recognize Lithuania’s victory.
The case was brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which consolidated the appeals. The CAS panel confirmed its jurisdiction under FIH statutes and CAS rules, applying Swiss law as the FIH is domiciled in Switzerland. The panel dismissed Lithuania’s arguments, including claims of procedural violations and untimely protests, finding the Irish team’s protest valid and the Tournament Director’s decision justified. The panel emphasized that while CAS generally does not review field-of-play decisions, an exception exists when officials deviate from mandatory rules, as this undermines game integrity. The breach of Regulation 11.4 was deemed an irregularity, regardless of its impact on the match outcome.
The panel upheld the Tournament Director’s authority, rejecting claims that she abdicated her decision-making to an FIH representative. It also dismissed allegations of bribery and found Lithuania’s refusal to comply with the replay order constituted misconduct, leading to their withdrawal from the tournament. The CAS ruled in favor of the IHA, reinstating the Tournament Director’s original decision and confirming Ireland’s 5th-place finish. The LHF’s appeal was dismissed, reinforcing the principle that tournament officials’ decisions must be respected. The final award, issued on April 15, 2002, resolved the dispute, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations and respecting authority in sports adjudication.