Terming the Indian Hockey Federation as a "big madhouse", former team coach Gerhard Rach today unleashed a spate of attackson the IHF secretary K. Jyotikumaran.
Rach, who yesterday informed the IHF about his decisionto quit the job, said that IHF president K.P.S. Gill was in favour of giving himthe post till the 2006 World Cup but it was Jyotikumaran who was against him.
"After the Olympics, Gill was happy with me butJyotikumaran was not. He said to me that I was not able to handle the team,especially Dhanraj Pillay.
"Then he said you should pray that the old man isalive for a long time. If he is dead you will no more be the coach ofIndia," Rach alleged in an interview to private news channel.
Advertisement
"The IHF is a big mad house. I am not anymoreready to continue with them. That makes you crazy.
The German, who was appointed just a few days beforethe Athens Olympics, was almost certain to be shown the door after Indiafinished medalless in the Champions Trophy last month but he made his exit,picking up a job with Egypt.
He has informed the IHF about his decision and wouldofficially take over as the coach of Egypt on January 25.
Rach's allegations against the IHF come at a time whena senior vice-president has also raised questions on the function of the presidentand secretary.
Advertisement
Rach also accused Jyotikumaran of not honouring the agreements reached betweenhim and Gill on the payment issue. "I was sitting with Gill and we agreedon a certain amount (of payment). After we left the room, Jyotikumaran came tome and said you forget it. We don't have so much money. I don't know what thisold man is talking about.
"You can get this much amount. If you want more Iwill have to pay from my pocket.
"I don't believe him (Jyotikumaran) anymore. Ijust could not continue like that. So I decided to go to a country where I willhave safe money," Rach claimed.
The German also alleged that the team's officialsponsors, Sahara, played a big role in team selection and also claimed thatPillay was included in the Olympic squad at their behest.
"After we (selectors and team management and Gill)had a heated meeting on Dhanraj and Dhillon before the Olympics, Jyotikumarancame to my room and said you must give him these names and that is good forIndian hockey.
"Then he gave me a paper with 16 players and saidif we do not include Dhanraj in the team our sponsors Sahara will rethink aboutthe sponsorship contract. He also showed me a letter to this effect," Rachclaimed.
Advertisement
PTI
