PATAFA to defer EJ Obiena's expulsion from Philippine team for two weeks

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has decided to shelve the implementation of the recommendations made by its administrative committee concerning EJ Obiena.

In a letter addressed to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez, PATAFA chairman Rufus Rodriguez said they are deferring the expulsion of the embattled pole vaulter from the national pool, which is one of the six recommendations made by the committee over his alleged misuse of funds.

Also part of the recommendations were filing a criminal complaint for estafa against Obiena and a complaint against Obiena's coach Vitaly Petrov for allegedly violating the Integrity code of Conduct.

The committee also recommended the following: termination of Petrov as national team coach, declaration of Obiena's longtime adviser James Lafferty as persona non grata, and submission of the report to both PSC and Commission on Audit.

The deferment, according to Rodriguez, will run for a period of two weeks.

"PATAFA strongly urges all the parties to submit to PSC Mediation and explain the matter of liquidation at the said forum," said Rodriguez in the letter dated January 5.

"This decision is and has always been consistent with PATAFA's consent and willingness to submit to the PSC's offer for mediation as relayed in its letter dated December 7, 2021."

PSC on Wednesday laid down several demands for PATAFA, Obiena, as well as the Philippine Olympic Committee as the government agency wants to resolve the issue "like sportsmen." — LA, GMA News