New Zealand has pulled out from the upcoming 2025–26 FIH Pro League, declining promotion despite winning the Nations Cup — a move triggered by a major slash in government funding that has left Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) reeling.
Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) has learnt the withdrawal, confirmed ahead of the July 21 deadline, has left the International Hockey Federation (FIH) scrambling to fill the vacant slot. According to FIH regulations, the next in line are Pakistan — runners-up at the Nations Cup, having lost 2-6 to New Zealand in the final. But with Pakistan too yet to commit due to its own financial uncertainties, third-placed France are also in the frame to receive an FIH invite.
A statement from Hockey New Zealand and the FIH is expected anytime soon. However, Telecom Asia Sport reached out to coach Greg Nicol to speak about the setback, who reponded saying, "I'm not in a position to speak about the issue at the moment."
HNZ had earlier also stepped away from the women’s Pro League, where they’ve already been replaced by Ireland. These twin exits are directly tied to a funding crisis sparked by a decision from High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), which drastically reduced allocations for team sports for the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle.
In a release issued last December, Hockey New Zealand confirmed receiving $1.5 million per year in core funding for both men’s and women’s Black Sticks squads — a drop from $1.75 million in 2024. While that reduction was significant, the bigger blow was the complete elimination of direct athlete payments and support services, which had amounted to $1.44 million for hockey in 2024.
All told, the sport faces a $1.69 million cut, effective from April 2025, though HPSNZ has offered a transitional cushion until then. However, with travel, coaching and event participation all deeply affected, the federation saw little sense in pursuing a high-cost Pro League campaign.
Pakistan’s Dilemma: Funds or Forfeit?
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed interest but remains uncertain about financial feasibility. A formal invite from FIH is expected, but Pakistan’s response will depend on whether their government steps in with the necessary travel and logistics support.
The government has been informed that we don’t have funds to travel (for the Pro League). We will say yes if they assure us of the support.
He added that PKR 75 crore annually (approx. USD 2.5 million) would be needed to “run hockey properly” — an amount he described as “not big” in the larger national sports budget.
The cracks are already showing. A leaked voice note from Pakistan captain Ammad Butt revealed players had yet to receive allowances from recent national camps and the Nations Cup — further underlining the PHF’s fragile financial position.
Should Pakistan opt out, France, who defeated South Korea in the third-place Nations Cup playoff, will likely be promoted to the Pro League.
The FIH is expected to announce the replacement team for the 2025–26 season shortly.
