Even as former coach Terry Walsh battles allegations of financial fraud against him, Hockey India (HI) has begun the hunt for his replacement. And as far as the governing body is concerned — "Walsh is history".
The Australian, who has been accused by HI president Narinder Batra of financial misconduct during his tenure as technical director of USA, released a statement through his attorney last week, refuting the allegations against him.
Batra had alleged that Walsh had committed misconduct in a software-related issue involving a firm, Sportstec, by not obtaining the licence for USA Field Hockey (USAFH).
The statement from Walsh's attorney, a copy of which is with dna, quoted the attorney for USA Field Hockey (USAFH) as saying, "... the assertion that USAFH criticised Mr. Walsh's failure to obtain a software license for Sportstec software directly from Sportstec on behalf of USAFH is simply incorrect."
However, Batra rubbished the statement, saying he too has documents that can prove his stand.
"The statement that he issued through his lawyer is completely false," Batra said on Friday. "I have several documents that prove what I'm saying. In fact, I've received another document from USAFH as recently as two days ago to strengthen my case. But unlike him, I'm not in the business of leaking such things to the media.
"Look, as far as Indian hockey is concerned, Terry Walsh is history," Batra added.
Walsh had threatened to file a legal case against the HI president for his allegations after he flew back home after resigning from his post as head coach in November.
"Why is he not doing that? I'm not holding his hands. If he is so confident about his innocence, why isn't he filing a legal case? I will produce all documents proving my allegations to the court then," Batra said.
HI, which had put off the issue of finding a head coach to after the completion of the Champions Trophy in December, has already received applications for the top job.
"We have received some CVs and the process has already started. We will shortlist and decide on a name by the end of this month or mid-February and send it to the Sports Authority of India. The next Indian camp won't be before March, so we still have a lot of time," Batra said.
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