After the unfortunate incident of the referral system that left many Indian hockey fans in dismay against a match against South Africa, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) may review the controversial referral system.

In the 45th minute when India hit a goal to take the lead and the fans were about to dance in joy, the appeal by the South Africans about foul that occurred in the Indian circle a minute or two before. The FIH has itself agreed on the fact that the referral system as used wasn't an ideal situation.

Going by the book, the procedure followed may be is correct but the way the appeal was accepted by the same umpire who had penalised South Africa for dangerous play in the same encounter giving Indian team a free hit.

While it is still not clear that will FIH impose a time limit on the rule or will look at the option only captain having the right to appeal as was the case in the last Champions Trophy, the incident in the India-South Africa encounter left a grey spot on the hockey book.