The IOC stands by Sascoc

THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed an allegation that the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) had fallen foul of the Olympic Charter by paying its board members flat allowances.

According to Sascoc's most recent financial statements, 11 board members received just more than R2-million for the year ending March 31 2012, with president Gideon Sam getting R252912, the two vice-presidents R204795 each and the other board members R170912 each.

Suspended Athletics South Africa (ASA) president James Evans, a lawyer, had claimed that these payments contravened the Charter, which states that National Olympic Committee members "shall not accept any compensation or bonus of any kind ... they may be reimbursed for their travelling, accommodation and other justified expenses in the carrying out of their functions".

But the IOC told Sowetan that Sascoc was "fully compliant" with the Charter. "In respect of payment of allowances ... the annual general meeting unanimously approved allowances. The allowance covers travel between home and airports and parking fees, incidental meals, telephone usage, administrative costs ..."

Evans, who was suspended when Sascoc put the cash-strapped ASA into administration in April, was himself eligible for a monthly stipend of R20000, although he pointed out this was "different" because ASA was not governed by such a charter.

Evans, insisting that Sascoc acted illegally when it took administration of ASA, is challenging the confederation in court.