Belgium’s green light a big relief for HIL as Netherlands and Spain players pull out
The Hockey India League is getting ready for the second season since its restart last year
Belgium players are set to be in high demand when the auction for the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) takes place in the coming weeks, after the Red Lions received a go-ahead from their federation.
Belgian striker Tom Boon, speaking to us from Brussels.
A lot of countries are not coming, but the Belgium players have permission from their federation and will come. Earlier it was not certain, but now we are allowed to come.
Boon, who was bought by Team Gonasika for ₹26 lakh (€29,000), had to skip the last season due to family commitments. He is eager to play in India again, though he will need a new buyer after Gonasika pulled out of the league. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey confirmed during the recent men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, that a replacement franchise is close to being finalised.
Setback as Dutch and Spanish Stars Opt Out
The good news from Belgium was offset by a blow elsewhere in Europe. Players from the Netherlands and Spain – including their Paris 2024 Olympic core squads – have decided against playing this season.
A source told us the Dutch players, who are part of the national squad, won’t come. It’s already been decided. It’s the World Cup year, so the coaches don’t want to release their players.
A Spanish team member confirmed:
Right now, we are more focused on the national team. We have the Pro League in February and camps in January. It’s a team decision; the federation has nothing to do with it.
England, Germany Remain Uncertain
While Belgium’s availability is confirmed, doubts linger over England and Germany. An England player said discussions are ongoing:
It’s being discussed by the players and the federation, so no decision has been made so far.
Germany’s stance is also unclear, adding to the uncertainty for franchises preparing for the auction.
Why Players Are Cautious
Belgium and Netherlands have already qualified for the 2026 FIH World Cup as co-hosts
Spain booked their spot through the FIH Pro League
England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand will play in the qualifiers early next year, just weeks after the HIL ends.
This scheduling clash is forcing federations and coaches to keep their players fresh for national duty.
Franchises Facing Tough Calls
The pull-outs have forced HIL franchises to revisit their retention lists. Several top names – from Jip Janssen (NED), Nicholas Bandurak (ENG) and Gonzalo Peillat (GER) – had been key players last season.
With Belgium stars like Arthur Van Doren, Vincent Vanasch and Florent Van Aubel cleared, become the most sought after foreign signings at the auction if not retained by their respective franchises’.
What’s Next For The League?
The upcoming auction will reveal how much the absence of Dutch and Spanish talent affects the competitive balance of the HIL. For now, the Belgian nod has given organisers and franchises at least one strong pool of world-class players to rely on.
Also posted on Telecom Asia