'Hockey clean from match-fixing, doping'

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) insists the sport is clean from match-fixing and doping in light with recent revelations in football and cycling.

"Hockey is safe, hockey is clean. It is one of our qualities, our selling point that the sport is the cleanest around," said FIH president Leandro Negre.

"As for doping, there's always a possibility but it tends to happen among individual more than team sports."

Negre, who is in Kuala Lumpur, stressed the international body is "prepared" to address such problems that has plagued the sports world.

A large number of players from China have been slapped with fines and suspensions over match-fixing allegations while disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong had recently confessed to doping during a TV show.

Meanwhile, Negre revealed Malaysia has been approached to organise a major tournament annually.

"I've spoken to India, Holland, Argentina and we would like to now see Malaysia host a big tournament to further promote the sport," he added.

"The Malaysia Hockey Confederation has always been supportive to our cause and we believe they will give much support towards developing the sport in the region."