Two-pool format for World Cup hockey

The Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation on Sunday decided to adopt a two-pools-of-eight-teams format for the 10th men's World Cup, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in March, and the 10th women’s World Cup in Perth, Australia, in November 2002.

Reintroduction of the two-pool format was also agreed in principle for the 7th men’s Junior World Cup in Hobart, Australia, in October, subject to the approval of the host organisers. Whilst it was considered there is insufficient time to change the format of the September women’s World Cup Qualifier in Amiens/Abbeville, France, the option may still be possible subject to final confirmation of the participating teams. Deadline for tournament entry to the women’s World Cup qualifier is Friday 27th July 2001.

Teams at the recent 4th women’s Junior World Cup in May and the 10th men’s World Cup Qualifier, currently being staged in Edinburgh, Scotland, have played under a four-pool format. The FIH has responded quickly to the wishes of both competing nations and tournament organisers, who favour the previous format.

With teams having more opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals, the two-pool format is not only fairer to the participating teams, but also spectator involvement in the event is prolonged. Marketing benefits will be enhanced and for the host nation include predictable scheduling of their team’s matches to facilitate ticket sales and increased sponsorship opportunities. The two-pool format maintains interest for a much longer time and gives players and teams much more reward for their efforts.

Peter Cohen, FIH honorary secretary general, commented, "Whilst we are satisfied that our experimentation with a different tournament format was a beneficial learning exercise, we are confident that a return to the two-pool format will prove popular with competing nations and host organisers.”

An FIH press release