Obiena flatly denies training fund misuse

MANILA, Philippines, November 22 ------ Tokyo Olympics pole-vaulter EJ Obiena yesterday vehemently denied accusations that government funds he requested and received to support his training were allegedly not used for its intended purposes. “All I can say, with documented evidence, is these rumors are 100 percent false and represent nothing more than character assassination,” said Obiena in a post on his social media account. “I have prided myself in embracing values of discipline, competitiveness, honor, transparency and respect. This doesn’t change even in times of crisis,” he added.

PATAFA has demanded Obiena to return 85,000 euros or a little more than P4.8 million, representing payments to the latter’s Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov, and an explanation in writing why he shouldn’t be removed from the national team. The association accused Obiena of allegedly falsifying liquidations and failed to pay Petrov his coaching fees.

Petrov backed up Obiena and stressed he was paid in full. “I have been paid the full sum by EJ both directly and indirectly, I have no problem with EJ,” said Petrov. Obiena has filed a complaint against PATAFA to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics (IAAF). He also threatened to retire from the sport if PATAFA will not issue a public apology and an immediate retraction of all accusations lodged against him. “I see it futile for me to continue with the current situation I have, therefore its more reasonable for me to consider other options, which is retirement,” he said.

Source: philstar.com