IOC rep says NSA disputes not that serious

MANILA, Philippines - International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde said the various disputes involving a handful of local sports associations do not warrant intervention from the IOC.

“What is happening here is not that serious that needs intervention by the IOC,” the elderly sportsman told yesterday’s Scoop sa Kamayan.

Elizalde reacted on the growing number of court cases that have been filed or being filed against sports leaders, including some officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The court cases stem from leadership disputes, which have led to the issuance of several TROs (temporary restraining order) to alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds.

The latest court case involved the Philippine Karatedo Federation where Go Teng Kok had filed a case stemming from what he claimed was his illegal ouster as PKF president.

The court issued a ruling earlier this week nullifying the May 25 elections where Enrico Vasquez and Emman Velez were named PKF president and deputy president, respectively.

Go said the court ruling meant that he remains the rightful PKF head, a statement that was contested by Jose Romasanta, who also previously elected as Go’s successor.

Jose Cojuangco, POC president, said the court ruling could be tantamount to government intervention, and could eventually lead to the IOC suspension on the Philippines.

Elizalde said the suspension is far from happening.

“What’s happening here is but an internal affair that can be resolved within the POC confine. There might be a sort of government interference with the way cases are being filed in courts, but I don’t think they are that serious,” he said.

The IOC official said it’s an entirely different case with Kuwait and Ghana where the national governments ended up having a say in the election of officers of national sports associations.

It was branded as political interference, and the IOC placed Kuwait under suspension since January of this year.

“Here, it’s nothing but power play on the part of one group and power struggle on the part of those affected by the power play,” said Elizalde.

“The POC will never, never prejudice the interest of the athletes. This rumor that the country stands to be suspended and thereby prejudice our participation in this year’s Southeast Asian Games is just that, rumors. No basis,” he said.