Yomog Meje
In coordination with the International Athletics Foundation (IAF), the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has cancelled this year’s IAF World Athletics Gala which was due to take place in Monaco on Saturday 28 November
The decision was taken by Sebastian Coe, who succeeded Lamine Diack as IAAF President in August, after the 82-year-old Diack was questioned by French police on 1 November over allegations he accepted cash to ensure Russian athletes who tested positive for banned performance-enhancing substances were not sanctioned.
The Gala, sponsored by Compagnie Monegasque de Banque and IAAF official supplier Mondo, has been held annually since 1988 and each year recognises the female and male Athlete of the Year.
A statement released by the IAAF President, Sebastian Coe stated: “Given the cloud that hangs over our association this is clearly not the time for the global athletics family to be gathering in celebration of our sport.
“However we will rightly still honour the outstanding achievements of the sport’s athletes.
“Therefore the Athlete of the Year and other annual honours will still be awarded and will be promoted and announced on the internet and social media.
“The IAAF will seek a suitable occasion in the future for the presentation of these awards to be made to the winners,” Coe added.
What do you think of this story? Have your say on our social media channels below:
