News from the NOCs - Solomon Islands Elections; India Resolution Soon?

India Resolution Soon

The president of the Indian Olympic Association says he expects the IOC to lift the IOA's suspension in the next two months.

Abhay Singh Chautala told reporters over the weekend India was not at fault in its suspension. The IOC suspended India for failure to comply with the Olympic Charter and has refused to recognize the Chautala-led NOC.

"IOA was not responsible even for one percent on the issue of the suspension by the IOC as it was following the High Court and the government's sports code while conducting elections under the supervision of three-member retired High Court judges," Chautala said.

"The issue is likely to be resolved within two months. IOA will soon get an appointment from IOC."

A joint meeting with the IOC, IOA and government sports officials would be the first step in the process that could lift India’s suspension.

IOC Clarifies Opinion of MOC President

The IOC has written a letter explaining that the president of the Malta Olympic Committee has not "tarnished the reputation of the Olympic Movement".

Lino Farrugia Sacco was named in The Sunday Times sting operation as one NOC leader attempting to improperly sell tickets to the London Olympics. He is facing an impeachment trial as a judge in Malta over the allegations of impropriety and holding the post of MOC president, which reports say violates the judiciary’s code of conduct. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is leading the push for impeachment.

In a letter, IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper said the IOC Ethics Commission investigation into the Times report found the individuals named "did not have the intention to impair or otherwise harm the reputation and honor" of Farrugia Sacco.

"No sanctions whatsoever have been imposed by the IOC on Mr Lino Farrugia Sacco, president of the MOC, nor was he censored or reprimanded in any way," the letter added. "In particular, the IOC did not accuse or find guilty Mr Lino Farrugia Sacco of corruption or any other offence of misconduct. The recommendations issued by the IOC ethics commission did not mention that Mr Lino Farrugia Sacco has tarnished the reputation of the Olympic Movement."

BOA Chair Meets Azeri President

Sebastian Coe met his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Sunday. Aliyev is also the president of Azerbaijan.

Coe was in Baku as part of International Inspiration, a British scheme to use sport as a developmental tool, as well as to discuss preparations for the 2015 European Games and to meet with Britain's ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Aliyev congratulated Coe on the success of London 2012 while Coe paid tribute to the performance of Azeri Olympians at the Games.

ANTA Extends COC Sponsorship

Sportswear firm ANTA Sports Products Limited extended its partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee through 2016.

A statement from the company says ANTA "will spare no effort in unearthing and exploring premium sports resources and will set a four-year Olympic Plan for ANTA Sports and the COC to invigorate and inspire each other and to march towards the ‘All Sports Era’ hand-in-hand."

The partnership with ANTA and the COC began in 2009.

"The successful extension of our partnership with the COC is a cornerstone of ANTA's brand strategy in future which will allow us to maintain our business strategy development in the mid-to-long term," said James Zhang, president of ANTA Sports.

"Meanwhile, ANTA, as a leading sportswear brand in China, will endeavor to promote the development of sports in China during the partnership period. We will continue to join hands with the COC to promote the development of Olympic sports, culture and charitable work in China as we sponsor the Olympic Day Run and encourage participation in the National Fitness Day and Olympic athletes' charitable activities."

Solomon Islands Election Postponed

Presidential elections for the National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Islands were postponed two weeks.

Elections, now scheduled for Feb. 2, were moved back due to questions over which national federations would be eligible to vote.

Local media reports indicate seven of the 21 sports federations were not part of their international organizations, making them ineligible to vote.

NOCSI’s new constitution will be voted on at the Feb. 2 meeting.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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