The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is studying the possibility of increasing the number of participating countries at 2018 World Cup. FIH president Leandro Negre reported to have said that the move followed proposals to increase the number of countries from many parties to match participation in similar sport tournaments. “However, the decision to have 12 participating countries at 2014 World Cup in Netherlands will not be changed,” he told a press conference at Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium. According to FIH, the participating countries are the World Cup hosts, defending champions, and champions of Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Oceania and winners of the Champions Cup.