‘Debt-ridden’ tennis federation’s presidential by-election canceled three days ahead of time
A by-election for the president of the Korean Tennis Association, which was seen as a “breakthrough” for the debt-ridden organization, was suddenly canceled three days before the vote.
The Tennis Association announced on the 26th that it has temporarily suspended the presidential by-election, which was scheduled to be held on the 29th, following instructions from the Korea Sports Council.
According to the tennis association, the KOC has effectively “ordered” the suspension of the by-election, citing suspicions that one candidate is disqualified from serving as an officer and that the Sports Ethics Center is conducting various investigations into the tennis association.
The candidate in question appears to be former KTA president Joo Won-hong.
Joo allegedly committed illegal acts in the past during the remodeling of a tennis court at a military academy in Gyeonggi Province.
It was pointed out that he registered as a candidate even though he was not allowed to run in the by-election due to this history.
As a result, criticisms have been raised for years that Joo was responsible for the failure of the Army Tennis Center remodeling project, which left the Tennis Association with billions of won in debt.
The NOC’s ‘cease-and-desist order’ is also believed to have been influenced by the fact that the NOC’s national audit, held on April 24, raised questions about Joo’s candidacy.
“I know it is impossible for former president Joo to appear as president again,” said Lee Ki-heung, chairman of the National Audit Committee, adding, “We have asked the Sports Ethics Center to investigate the past three presidents. We will strictly manage it as soon as the results of the investigation come out.”
Meanwhile, the KOC also pointed out that the Tennis Association designated the Korea Middle and High School Tennis Federation as the governing body and did not give it the right to vote and nominate candidates for the by-election.
The KTA reportedly believes that this is an act outside the authority of a sports organization.
“After the NOC sent a letter requesting the suspension of the by-election on the 24th, the NOC sent a further letter on the 26th stating that if the by-election was not suspended, the NOC would be subject to penalties,” the Tennis Association explained, “The NOC Election Committee met and decided to accept the NOC’s request.”
According to the Tennis Association’s Presidential Election Regulations, the Association is required to comply with any corrective instructions given by the Athletic Association in relation to the procedure and conduct of the Presidential Election.
If they fail to do so, the AOC can impose penalties such as suspension of delegates and withdrawal of funding.
“We will endeavor to hold the by-election within the year after consulting with the Athletic Association,” the Tennis Association said. 토토사이트