Head of Track and Field's Global Body to Cut Ties With Nike
November 26 2015 - 4:03PM
Dow Jones News
By Sara Germano
The president of track and field's global governing body,
Sebastian Coe, said Thursday that he would resign from a consulting
role with sportswear maker Nike Inc., amid mounting criticism of
the sport's integrity.
The decision followed a daylong meeting of the International
Association of Athletics Federations in Monaco, where the group
formally met for the first time in person to discuss ongoing issues
within the sport.
The sport and its leadership have been under scrutiny after an
independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency revealed
long-term, systemic doping in Russia. The commission also found
what it described as "corruption and bribery practices at the
highest levels of international athletics," details of which are
expected to be presented in a second report in the coming
months.
Mr. Coe said his decision to part ways with Nike was a part of
an effort to renew trust in IAAF's leadership. He had come under
criticism in recent weeks that his ties to Nike could present a
conflict of interest for the leader of track and field. He had
defended his role with Nike as recently as Sunday, saying he didn't
lobby on behalf of the company regarding IAAF's April decision to
award the 2021 world championships to the city of Eugene, Ore.,
where Nike was founded.
Mr. Coe's affiliation with the brand dates back to his days as a
middle-distance runner for Great Britain, wearing Nike during his
gold-medal runs in the 1500 meters at both the 1980 and 1984
Olympics, according to Nike's website. He was appointed an
international adviser to Nike in 2013, according to a news release
from the company.
"Sebastian Coe has informed us that he will no longer be able to
play a role as an ambassador for Nike," Nike said in a statement.
"Seb has been a Nike athlete since the 1970s and we are obviously
disappointed, but respect his decision."
Mr. Coe, who had served as vice president of the IAAF since
2007, was elected president in August. His predecessor, Lamine
Diack, is currently under investigation by French authorities for
allegedly accepting bribes to cover up Russian doping results,
according to French police.
Efforts to reach Mr. Diack have been unsuccessful and his
whereabouts are currently unknown.
Last week, the IAAF set up preliminary criteria for the
reinstatement of the Russian track team, and said an appointed
inspection team would begin its work to determine the efficacy of
reforms in Russia no later than Jan. 1.
Write to Sara Germano at sara.germano@wsj.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 26, 2015 15:48 ET (20:48 GMT)
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