Johannesburg – Athletics South Africa (ASA) will for the time being remain eligible to compete in international events sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Last week SASCOC suspended ASA, but on Wednesday morning the federation named a provisional team to compete at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland next March.
Later in the day SASCOC president Gideon Sam confirmed the federation would be allowed to compete in IAAF events until SASCOC received a response from the world governing body for the sport.
“They can enter IAAF events until such time as the IAAF recognises our suspension,” Sam said.
“We have sent them a letter, informing them that ASA has been suspended, and we are waiting for them to get back to us.”
Despite the board’s suspension, along with some members of senior management, business is continuing as usual at the ASA head office in Johannesburg.
The board and suspended employees have vowed to fight SASCOC’s decision, saying the Olympic body does not have the power to take action against individual ASA employees.
IAAF spokesman Nick Davies was unavailable for comment.
—Sapa
