November 30. 2015 By Shar Morris Jr.
The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) continues to remain in tight lips over the ongoing power tussle in the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA).
Both parties, the newly elected Palo Conteh administration and the Abdul Karim led government are claiming to have IAAF backing although the former is yet to gain any recognition from the Sports Ministry, National Sports Council and the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SL).
Furthermore, the international federation is yet to make any official statement to denounce neither the November 20 election nor back the Karim administration or even reply to an interview request by this media.
On Wednesday, 25 November a report from the 20 November extra ordinary congress summoned by the group who tagged themselves as ‘the legitimate delegates’ was forwarded to international federation.
The reports reads: “Pursuant of Article 32 (3) A,C evoked by delegates of Sierra Leone Athletics Association after the executive committee has failed to call congress since 3rd April 2015 after the expiration of their term, attach is a report/minutes on the outcome of the above meeting/congress held on Friday 20th November 2015 at Hill Valley Hotel Freetown, Sierra Leone.
“Please note that all outgoing executive members where invited including myself (Secretary General) and other two (2) regional executive members from the central body who were present also.
“Also a representative from the Ministry was present in the name of our Hon. Deputy Minister of Sports and made statements whilst our NOC-SLE did not send any rep though invited according to the Legitimate delegates Chairman Mr Michael Felix Rowe.
In as much as it was in line with SLAA constitution, we have no alternative but to honour as former executive members but few decided not to honour though invited too. In this regard, I hereby forward the newly accredited Executive members by the delegates to rule Athletics for the next four (4) years.”
Meanwhile, since the report was filed IAAF is yet to respond and according to Michael Felix-Rowe, the association’s newly elected vice president, they are expecting to get a word from IAAF today or anytime this week.