Beijing-bound New Zealand hockey defender Sheree Horvath has had a two-match suspension confirmed by the sport's governing body but doubt remains whether the penalty can be served before the Olympic Games.
As expected Horvath was handed a two-game suspension by the International Hockey Federation after being reported for striking a Spanish opponent during the Four Nations tournament in China last month.
New Zealand head coach Kevin Towns has no issue with the penalty imposed but is still waiting to learn whether Horvath can use buildup matches against Great Britain in Hong Kong this month to complete the ban.
Otherwise she will miss the Black Sticks' opening pool game at the Games against Japan on August 10 and the match against Germany two days later.
The Blacks Sticks leave for Hong Kong on Saturday and head to Beijing from there.
