Field hockey players’ visa problem solved

The problem with full participation of the Azerbaijani women’s field hockey team in the European Cup due in Manchester on August 18 has been solved after interference by the government.

The British embassy in Baku earlier refused to issue visas to six ethnic Korean players, saying their travel documents failed to comply with the country’s immigration laws. But the problem was solved after the embassy received a guarantee from the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry, the National Field Hockey Federation spokesman Yagub Nuriyev said.

The copies of the players’ contracts signed with the federation were submitted to the diplomatic representation as well. The national team was to leave for Manchester on Tuesday night.

The European Cup is a licensed championship. The top three teams will gain the right to compete in the Olympic Games due in Beijing in 2008.*