A mistake of French Athletics Federation (FFA) has caused administrative chaos that has almost left a dozen athletes out of the European Championships in Rome.
“Major administrative errors made by a Member Federation in the management of the final registration procedure have a significant impact on the final registrations for the event,” explained the European Athletics (EA) through a statement on Monday, just four days before the start of the continental championship.
“In addition to the non-registration of two of its athletes, the aforementioned Federation did not remove 12 of its athletes who will not compete in the pre-registration list, thus blocking 12 qualifying places and preventing some athletes from various member Federations from registering for Rome 2024“, continued the statement from the European Federation.
The text made reference to the French Athletics Federation, which last week forgot to register the middle distance runner Azeddine Habzone of the candidates for the podium in the 1,500m, which Simon Bedard10,000m specialist.
But, in addition to this first error, which can have important consequences in the classification for Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesthe FFA pre-registered twelve other athletes who were ultimately not selected, occupying places and preventing athletes from other countries from being registered.
The confusion aroused the anger of many European athletes and coaches who expressed themselves through social networks and before the authorities of the European Federation.
“Considering the number of athletes affected by the above and the consequences that such mistakes can have on the athletes’ careers and their future in our sport, European Athletics has decided to allow sanctioned Members Federation to register their qualified athletes in 12 free places “EA explained in its statement.
“Following the same principles, European Athletics decided to also reinstate the athletes who were punished for the mistakes of their federation,” he added.
In this way, Azeddine Habz and Simon Bédard will both compete in Rome 2024.
“After more than four days of appeals and intense negotiations, I finally received the good news: European Athletics decided to reinstate me, as well as my teammate Azeddine Habz,” Bédard wrote on his Instagram account.
“Our persistence and determination finally paid off and I am very grateful to everyone who contributed to this success,” Habz added in another post.
Source: La Verdad
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