Taekwondo Federation Fires Union Members
The World Taekwondo Federation has fired two union members it holds responsible for some of the federation's recent internal strife.
According to a WTF statement, the union is comprised of employees who were disciplined by an ad-hoc sanction committee in 2006 for misuse of funds and breach of trust. The statement withholds the names of the employees.
"The labor union has also attempted to mislead public through fake allegations of misuse of funds, despite the WTF having annual auditing by public accountants and the internal WTF auditors and treasurer," the statement reads.
A chapter of the Seoul KyeongIn Clerical Service Workers Union was established at the WTF secretariat in January. Its leaders allege irresponsible management and opaque use of public funds at the federation.
A third unionized employee may be fired pending an April 8 hearing. The union members were dismissed on grounds they "maliciously assaulted the federation and debased its honor," according to report from Yonhap News Agency.
The union has rejected the charges and promises supporting materials in a statement to Korean media.
UEFA Pres Weighs in on Spain, FIFA Controversy
The Union of European Football Associations president said at a press conference Wednesday he expects Spain to play in the Euro 2008 Championship despite threats from FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
"I can give two different answers on this. Firstly, it's FIFA's problem, it's not UEFA's problem. It has to do with the FIFA statutes. But I can also say we're glad to have Spain, a great footballing country, and I'm convinced that Spain will play at Euro 2008 and everything will be fine," says Michel Platini.
The Spanish government ordered all national sports federation not competing in the Olympics to hold elections before the Games. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has defied the government, and set elections for Nov. 26 that would comply with FIFA rules.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero says RFEF is not above Spanish law, and the federation should hold elections regardless of FIFA warnings that sanctions could result.
New Equestrian Secretary General
Alex McLin is the new secretary general of the International Equestrian Federation. President Princess Haya bint al Hussein made the announcement March 11. McLin has acted as secretary general since September, and was with FEI for two years prior.
"Alex McLin has shown that he is an excellent leader who has a profound understanding of the need to deliver the plans for horsesport in an expedient and apolitical fashion. As in business, sport is discovering that skill and creative delivery are powerful allies whose effect can be equally well delivered by a quiet approach," said the FEI president.
Federation Briefs...
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Olympic Qualifying Tournament is taking place in the U.S. from March 11 to 23. The tournament is a round-robin between two groups. The champion and the runner-up earn Olympic berths.
Nussli, a Swiss-based supplier of temporary infrastructure, announced a three-year partnership with the International Ski Federation this week. The agreement covers all FIS World Cup and Championship events. Nussli and FIS have worked together previously in 2003 and 2005 championships.
The World Championship Sports Network will provide same day coverage on WCSN TV and wcsn.com of the FIS World Cup Finalsfrom Bormio, Italy, on March 12 to 18. Cross country, alpine ski, freestyle moguls, ski jumping and snowboarding will be featured.
The first AIBA Americas Olympic Qualifier takes place from March 12 to 18 in Trinidad and Tobago. More than 160 boxers from 25 countries will fight for 23 spots available for Beijing at this tournament. Guatemala will host the next Americas tournament in April.
In related boxing news, AIBA announced Tuesday that Guadalajara, Mexico, will host the 2008 Youth World Championships from Oct. 16 to 26. Boxers aged 17 to 18 will compete in eight weight classes.
The United States Basketball Federation says it is considering relocating its headquarters from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Candidate cities include Phoenix, Arizona, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. USA Basketball president Val Ackerman says the federation would like to improve administration, programs, and operations with the move.
The 34-member FIVB Board of Administration meets in Lausanne to discuss the future of volleyball from March 12 to 14. Items on the agenda include a new ball in Beijing, moving the Election Congress to an Olympic year, transparency in finance and limiting federation switching by players. FIVB president Dr. Ruben Acosta reiterated these goals in a presentation on the first day. The meeting is a precursor to the 31st FIVB World Congress in Dubai from June 16 to 17.
Australia has announced its shooting team for Beijing. The team has four women and six men, featuring Russell Mark, a medallist from the Atlanta and Sydney Games. Beijing will be Mark's fifth Olympics; he missed the 2004 Games in Athens.
Written by Eric Connelly
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