IAAF and ISSF Quit SportAccord as Federations Rally Behind IOC
April 20, 2015
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has cancelled it’s membership of SportAccord following the body’s president Marius Vizer’s attack on the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) also cancelled its membership of the umbrella organisation which represents Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
Vizer’s opening speech included pleas for the IOC to be more transparent, and accusations that the Olympic body’s Agenda 2020 review had no benefit to international federations.
However, a letter of disapproval was signed by 15 federations, led by world football body FIFA backing the IOC in the wake of Vizer’s comments.
That sentiment was supported by a similar expression of dissatisfaction from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah (pictured), influential president of the Association of National Olympic Committees, of the Olympic Council of Asia and of development-funding Olympic Solidarity.
In a statement, Sheikh Ahmad said: “On behalf of the 205 NOCs around the world, ANOC would like to stress its full commitment to Olympic Agenda 2020 and its implementation.
“Olympic Agenda 2020 was conceived after a year of consultation with every stakeholder in the Olympic Movement and the values of democracy, transparency and integrity were reflected in the 40 recommendations that were presented.
“As President of ANOC and Vice-President of an International Federation I know that the voices of both the NOCs and the International Federations were heard by IOC President Bach and the IOC. Under President Bach’s leadership we look forward to moving towards a more united and brighter future.”
FIFA’s own statement read: “FIFA is part of a group of SportAccord members that expressed its disagreement with the statements made by the President of SportAccord during his opening speech which do not reflect the views of the International Federations.
“These members have jointly signed a statement of disapproval to give to the SportAccord leadership with regard to these comments and expressed their strong support for the IOC and the Olympic Agenda 2020.”
SportAccord were approached for comment but at the time of writing have not yet responded.