by Larry Eder
Seb Coe, photo by PhotoRun.net
Coe promised to investigate
LONDON (GBR): IAAF president Sebastian Coe has promised to investigate claims in the bidding process for the 2017 World Championships in London. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme on Sunday, Ed Warner Chairman of UK Athletics revealed that his team had agreed to spend 7.2 million US dollars to cover prize money having been warned they were unlikely to succeed if they did not. When asked if he was aware of the claims, Coe said he was not, but said: “The French prosecutors are looking at this. I have already implemented a review of our financial, our marketing and our sponsorship arrangements within the IAAF, so if anything comes out of that nature, then clearly all those bids will be called in.” Informs Press Association.
Editor’s note: I find it quite fascinating that London 2017 is being questioned, and also Mr. Warner’s comments. Am I having a senior moment, or did this not come out in the 2017 build up? UK Athletics, from this so-called revelation and the recent suggestions (wonderfully ill-timed) on how to upgrade the sport, including resetting all of the records, suggest a story few seem to be going after: that UK Athletics seems to be reacting, and not thinking about the long-haul.
Mr. Warner has done such non-sensical comments in the past. One wonders who is actually speaking for UK athletics. Truth is, without the Nike deal, they have very little sponsorship support. A far cry from when Fasttrack was representing them.
This tells some keen observers that perhaps, 2017, 2019 and 2021 will all be questioned in the next weeks and months. Mr. Pounds’ suggestion for a forensic investigation last Thursday, suggests that WADA had some concerns. UK Athletics is reacting to something, perhaps a little voice in their ears.
Needless to say, they do not seem supportive of Lord Coe, to say the least.
One watches actions, not words.
