IOA Conflict Nears Resolution As EC Members Prepare To Ratify CEO Appointment
The Indian Olympic Association's power struggle nears resolution as EC members plan to ratify Raghuram Iyer's CEO appointment, ending discord with President PT Usha.
A long-standing power struggle within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appears to be approaching resolution. The majority of Executive Council (EC) members—who have been at odds with IOA President PT Usha—are expected to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO, a move that could signal the end of months of internal discord.
The conflict stems from Usha's January 2024 appointment of Iyer as CEO, which faced resistance from EC members due to the Rs 20 lakh per month salary proposed for the position, along with additional perks. The EC refused to endorse the appointment, leading to a stalemate that stalled IOA operations.
Despite a stormy Executive Council meeting in September 2024, attended virtually by a representative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), no breakthrough was achieved at the time.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the sports ministry has played a key role in facilitating a resolution.
'The EC members have agreed to ratify Iyer's appointment and it's likely to be announced on Thursday," the source told PTI.
In preparation, the EC members plan to hold an informal meeting on Wednesday evening, followed by a joint press conference on Thursday, where both Usha and most EC members are expected to appear.
A Rapprochement in the Works
An EC member emphasized the need for a functional relationship moving forward:
'There will have to be at least a working relationship [between Usha and the EC members], so a rapprochement process has started," the member said.
'We are doing it for the good of Indian sport, especially in view of the fact that we are hoping to host the 2036 Olympics."
Administrative Paralysis and IOC Pressure
The internal conflict has severely hampered the IOA's operations. There has been no Executive Council meeting since September 2024 and no Annual General Body Meeting since March 2023.
Following PT Usha's election as IOA president, the association delayed the appointment of a CEO, a position mandated by its constitution. The delay prompted repeated warnings from the IOC, eventually leading to Iyer's appointment. However, 12 EC members refused to ratify the decision, leading to a prolonged deadlock.
Usha had previously stated that Iyer had been working without pay, as his appointment remained unratified.
(with PTI inputs)
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