Corruption Allegations Surround ITTF Election

(ATR) Adham Sharara says he’s willing to sue Stefano Bosi, his challenger for the presidency of the International Table Tennis Federation and his accuser of financial corruption.

"It is very regrettable that Mr. Bosi has chosen to use public allegations, accusations and false information as an election platform, contrary to the high standards by which we have governed ourselves as a federation," Sharara said earlier this month in a letter sent to the ITTF Board of Directors and seen by Around the Rings.

"Of course I reserve my legal right to take court action against the accusers for libel and defamation of character, and especially for damaging the image of the ITTF and its President."

Bosi, longtime president of the European Table Tennis Union, launched his candidacy for the ITTF presidency earlier this month ahead of May 15 elections in Paris on the sidelines of the World Table Tennis Championships.

"I'm confident associations will understand we need a transparent ITTF and support me, in their own interest," the Italian said.

"This incorrect management system will destroy table tennis and its credibility on short-medium term."

In a letter sent April 2 to ITTF member federations and seen by ATR, he claims Sharara, an Egyptian-born Canadian, has abused his links to a company that provides funding to the ITTF and his role in a sports non-profit in Ottawa, among other allegations.

Bosi also called for the IOC to investigate Sharara over alleged breaches of the Olympic Charter.

"I totally dispute, deny and refute any and all accusations of any illegal or improper conduct in my actions over the entire period as ITTF President (1999-2013) and Deputy President (1995-1999)," Sharara said.

"As has been done by Mr. Bosi, circulating an unsigned document, while containing information provided by me and my staff, and manipulating the same to reach unsubstantiated conclusions, is totally unacceptable and unethical.

"Currently we are seeking a legal opinion regarding the accusatory document, its content, context of submission and circulation, as a form of slander and defamation.

"I will let the legal system through the courts decide on these allegations."

Written by Matthew Grayson with reporting from Tencent.

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