IOA Crisis Deepens: EC Accuses Usha of Autocratic Behavior
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in a deepening crisis, with the executive council (EC) accusing president PT Usha of “autocratic” behavior and violating the constitution. The feud stems from the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO, which the EC rejected in a stormy meeting on Thursday.
The EC, in a letter to IOC’s Institutional Relations and Governance head Jerome Poivey, expressed concerns about Usha’s “regrettable” conduct and her disregard for the views of her colleagues. They accused her of running the organization in a “my way or the highway” manner, which contradicts the democratic principles enshrined in the IOA constitution.
The EC members highlighted that Usha’s behavior has hindered progress and stonewalled good governance practices. They emphasized that the organization must be governed democratically, with the participation and consensus of the entire council.
Poivey, who attended the meeting via video conference, clarified that the IOC does not have the mandate to interfere in the internal matters of an NOC. However, the EC members stated that they would continue to pursue meaningful dialogues with Usha in an effort to resolve the crisis.
The EC has resolved to prioritize the appointment of a CEO and re-advertise for the position. They aim to make the appointment within two months.
Usha, for her part, has defended her actions, claiming that she ended the meeting in Poivey’s presence and that the minutes circulated by the EC members are “null and void.”
The crisis has worsened in recent weeks, with Usha and EC members accusing each other of violating constitutional provisions. The IOC has expressed concern over the situation and has urged the parties to resolve their differences amicably.