The FIH has announced that Spain will be replacing South Africa as one of the automatic qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic Games men's hockey tournament. This follows the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee turning down their nation's direct entry into the games. They had originally qualified as a result of winning the Africa Cup.
In accordance with an agreement between the FIH and the IOC, the vacancy left by South Africa was offered to the highest ranking team that had not already qualified, namely Spain. Spain had been due to play in a qualification tournament in Japan in April.
The FIH has also announced that a number of nations have declined invitations to qualifying tournaments. There appears to be an error in the information currently released on this matter and we are seeking clarification from the FIH before publishing this.
