Athletics
SASCOC snubs parliament
2010-09-07 13:33
SASCOC president Gideon Sam (File)
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Cape Town - SASCOC has refused to appear before Parliament to answer questions on the findings of a forensic report into the finances of Athletics South Africa (ASA) and its handling of the Caster Semenya affair.
Parliamentary sports committee chairperson Butana Komphela said on Tuesday that the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) had "snubbed" the committee and shown "arrogance" in its refusal to appear in Parliament.
"The only difference we have with SASCOC now is their arrogance," Komphela said.
"Previous requests we sent to them were that they must come and present the issue of Caster Semenya.
"Their issue is forensic audit, but our issue is what led to the forensic audit and that is the debacle of Caster Semenya.
"We will see at the end of the day who is going to be the winner and loser on this issue."
SASCOC president Gideon Sam sent a letter to the committee on Tuesday saying that the body would not present the forensic audit into the finances of ASA.
SASCOC said in August that it had laid charges against certain individuals from ASA as recommended in the forensic report.
Eight ASA board members, including its president Leonard Chuene, were suspended last November before the audit was completed.
The audit has reportedly uncovered poor corporate governance, alleged misappropriation of funds and tax evasion.
Semenya could not compete for 11 months after becoming 800-metre world champion because of a dispute over her gender.
Komphela said the normal "process" would be to approach the Speaker of the National Assembly about issuing a warrant of arrest for Sascoc.
"We have taken a clear resolution in summonsing Sascoc," he said.
"When summonses have been served and you ignore or you defy the summonses, then it triggers a warrant of arrest for contempt."
SASCOC was not available for comment.