(ATR) Sheikh Ahmad is to remain as self-suspended ANOC president until his court case is resolved or until scheduled elections in 2022.
Acting president Robin Mitchell will continue in his position in the meantime.
The 204 NOCs attending the ANOC General Assembly in Doha approved by acclamation a resolution put forth by the ANOC executive board keeping the status quo despite ongoing legal issues in Switzerland that the embattled Kuwaiti sport leader is facing.
The resolution read: "Be it Resolved that, subject to subsequent Executive Council resolution, the ANOC presidential election be continued adjourned for the balance of the quadrennial term with the ANOC Senior Vice President functioning as the Acting President."
In November 2018 at the ANOC General Assembly in Tokyo, the Sheikh remained unchallenged for the ANOC leadership position and elections were postponed after he decided to step aside.
Following the approval of the resolution, Maxwell De Silva from Sri Lanka and Alfred Emmanuel from St. Lucia took the floor and questioned the resolution and situation. De Silva wondered what happens if Sheikh Ahmad’s case continues for another three or four years and Emmanuel questioned the possibility of an even longer period without a full-fledged president.
ANOC legal commission chair Michael Chambers addressed the room, assuring that a new election would take place in 2022, while explaining the legalities of the proposal as outlined in the ANOC charter.
"If it is not cleared up, there will be an election in 2022," Chambers said.
Chambers – the former NOC president of Canada – referred everyone to rule 26-1 in the charter which specifies that the ANOC Executive Council has the authority to decide all matters that are not specifically expressed in the constitution.
Pending the resolution of the Sheikh’s legal situation, the next ANOC president might not come until elections at the 2022 General Assembly. Until then, Mitchell could continue to serve as acting president.
Written and reported by Brian Pinelli in Doha, Qatar
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