Olympics committee: take action on officials
Malta could be denied Olympic accreditation
A frame from the secretly filmed video by The Sunday Times of London featuring Malta Olympic Committee president Judge Lino Farrugia Sacco and general secretary Joe Cassar.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a show of support from its Maltese affiliate for the officials involved in the organisation’s ticketing scandal and insisted action must be taken.
The IOC was reacting to a vote of confidence by the General Council of the Maltese Olympic Committee in its president, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, and its general secretary Joe Cassar.
They have both been named by the IOC’s ethics commission as having been involved in a discussion with undercover reporters from The Sunday Times of London, apparently trying to circumvent the official ticket reselling mechanism.
A spokesman for the international organisation said its decision still stood and the IOC’s executive board was expecting action to be taken against the MOC’s top officials.
Nothing had changed, he said, adding that if action was not taken the IOC would announce the next steps it may take against the MOC and its members.
“At this stage we will need to see what actions the national Olympic committees take before deciding on the next steps. As the process is ongoing, we will not be commenting further,” the spokesman said.
The statement comes amid a stalemate after both officials refused to step down.
Last week, Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco – who is also facing an impeachment motion in Parliament over his position as judge as a result of the public rebuke by the IOC – said he was “considering” resigning his MOC post.
However, when contacted he said there had been no change.
“Should there be any developments, I will let you know,” he said.
The IOC has no power to directly discipline individuals in national affiliates but its executive board had warned that if the officials concerned did not face consequences, it could deny the MOC accreditation to its events, including the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
Elections for the new executive committee of the MOC are expected in March.
Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco had defied a directive from the Commission for the Administration of Justice in 2006 to step down from the MOC, since holding such a position was in breach of the judiciary’s code of ethics.
This led to an unprecedented public reprimand of the judge in 2007.
Departing from its usual discretion, the Commission published a letter it sent to the judge in which it noted that his behaviour was unacceptable and that he was breaching the code of ethics of the judiciary.
But Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco stuck to his guns and in 2008 again contested the post of MOC president and won a third term. Following the recent reprimand by the IOC, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi called on the judge to “do the honourable thing” and relinquish his judgeship.
He then filed an impeachment motion, in which the next step is for the Commission to make a recommendation to Parliament.
If, according to the Commission, there is prima facie evidence for impeachment, Parliament will need to muster a two-thirds majority to impeach the judge.
Labour leader Joseph Muscat said he would follow the recommendation of the Commission, which is expected to be published early next month.
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62 Comments
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James Wightman
Dec 23rd 2012, 10:05
To all you nay-sayers out there.
So who would take over? In most committees people are back pedalling away from being elected come election time because its voluntary. Yes some people have been on the MOC for years, but that's why.
And you thank them by asking for resignations, for standing against a questionable decision?
Go do 10, 15 or 25 years of voluntary work THEN you can criticize!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 23rd 2012, 06:29
Joseph Muscat knows like everybody else what needs to be done to scotch the scandal surrounding the Malta Olympic committee but, like the bold, decisive leader he is purported to be (but isn't!) he would like the Committee for the Administration of Justice to take out that hot chestnut out of the embers so that he wouldn't risk burn his fingers.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 23rd 2012, 10:48
@ Francis Saliba MD
Whenever such things happen, within his Party, in Local Councils led by Labour Mayors or beyond, Dr Joseph Muscat chickens out & passes d bucket on to somebody else!
Not so, regarding Dr Angelo Farrugia, who may have been a thorn in his side!
He was quick to act & mercilessly he did, ignoring even those who voted him in!!
Strongman tactics with d weak!
Alfred A Falzon
Anthony Pace Gouder
Dec 23rd 2012, 04:18
Kemm qeghdin sew ! Tahwid kbir fil-politika, Oligarkija u flejjes jintefqu bl-addocc. Imhallfin imgela jirrizenjaw b-'impeachments' . Korruzzjoni fl-isport nazzjonali tal-futbol. u dak allegat fl-organizzazzjoni Olimpika. Hemm il-kas tad-'Duhhan ta' Brussels' fejn nemmen li tohrog il-verita favur JD !
Il -virus jidher li qed jinfetta KULLIMKIEN ! Nispera li l-Knisja tibqa immakulata .
Mel Holmes
Dec 22nd 2012, 23:37
Is there really any doubt that blatant abuse of trust for profit should be severely punished? If we can't trust our officials, who can we trust. Selling Olympics tickets on the black market is a perfect encouragement for terrorists. It is inexcusable: Irresponsible: Selfish. AND illegal. End of story.
James Wightman
Dec 23rd 2012, 09:46
It there of course was a story in the first place? Isn't finding someone guilty without proof a Taliban trait?
Joe Tabone
Dec 22nd 2012, 21:09
Will this mean that Maltese athletes are in danger of being sidelined due to MOC arrogance?!?
James Wightman
Dec 23rd 2012, 10:09
Unlikely, no crime or offence was actually committed.
The punishment hardly fits the crime if no crime has been committed!
Nenu Cassar
Dec 22nd 2012, 19:39
Din hi ezempju kontinwu ta' arroganza grassa mill-ufficjali tal-MOC. Messhom jisthu jipprezentaw ruhom kemm bhala ufficjali tal-MOC u kemm fil-karigi ufficjali taghhom, l-iktar jekk il-kariga tirrekjedi sens gholi ta' etika u imparzjalita'.
Alfred Falzon
Dec 22nd 2012, 19:28
The PL seems to believe in different yardsticks.
The impression is that when it is question of political mileage it calls for enquieries but when serious cases such as the one that bedevilled some time ago the Sliema Local Council and the Xlendi Bay scandal, it drags its feet!
So do not be surprised by its latest stance in light of the above!
Alf A Falzon
Mr Lawrence Calleja
Dec 22nd 2012, 16:50
Ghall darba, nitolbok, Sur Joe Muscat ghid x'ser tkun id-direzzjoni tal-MLP f'dan il-kaz u fuq kulunkwe kaz iehor. Tibqax tilghaba ta' Dr. No
Keith Davis
Dec 22nd 2012, 15:31
We ask for the MOCs board resignation en bloc otherwise the authorities should make heads roll !
Mr J. Bonnici
Dec 22nd 2012, 18:36
As things stand I don't see any other solution. It was very immature of the General Council to take such a step when the parent body requested otherwise.
James Wightman
Dec 23rd 2012, 09:58
That won't work the MOC is an independent NGO, technically you'd have to be in the MOC and a federation delegate, which would mean several hard years of voluntary work to climb to that position in the 'olympic' sport of your choice. Oh and corruption and power, there isn't really any serious money to be made from it.
So who would take over? In most committees people are back pedalling away.
J Martinelli
Dec 22nd 2012, 14:44
"Joseph Muscat said he would follow the recommendation of the Commission"
Joseph, isn't it about time you LEAD for this once?
The CAJ had expressed its scorn two years ago about Justice Farrugia Sacco's disregard to the Code of Ethics applicable to the judiciary, which was enough to start impeachment procedures then. Now that things got worse you still vacillate? You prefer politics to ethics?
Joe Grech
Dec 22nd 2012, 17:07
@J Martinelli - You're being politically blinkered asking Dr. J. Muscat to LEAD. Muscat acted correctly saying that the PL will ''follow the recommendation of the Commission (for the Administration of Justice).
It was the present inefficient ''administration'' which failed to push for impeachment procedures against Farrugia Sacco two years ago prefering to put its political interests first.
m. borg (slm)
Dec 22nd 2012, 17:46
MrMartinelli when it comes to leadership Joseph has shown his qualities in The Anglu Farrugia case, which makes gonzi one with a lot to be desired considering the follies of Austin Gatt, Tonio Fenech, Dolores Cristina, George Pulicino ,and others.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 22nd 2012, 20:59
@joe Grech & m borg.
After the Depasquale case everyone knew that the MLP could not be relied upon to cooperate in the impeachment of defaulting judges regardless of the clear condemnation by the Commission for the Administration of Justice. Muscat's latter day respect by the MLP/LP for the recommendations of the CAJ is only a pretext delaying the impeachment process.
Joseph Grech Attard
Dec 22nd 2012, 23:12
So doesn't the usual 'innocent unless proved guilty' hold any more? That is very dangerous & holds only in totalitarian regimes, as those of Mussolini, Pinochet, etc. Why doesn't parliament wait for the result of the Commission? Is GonziPN going to take an amoral and unehical political advantage from all this if the opposition votes against or abstains? That is what seems to be theiir aim! Shame!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 23rd 2012, 10:11
@JosephGrechAttard.
"Innocent untill proven guilty" holds good as long as the wheels of justice are allowed to run smoothly without interference from politicians suspending the law courts, ransacking them, intimidating the judiciary, shifting judges whilst adjudicating a case or stultifying the impeachment process.
I would add Mintoff to your list of those who showed no respect law for the law
j brincat
Dec 22nd 2012, 14:32
Oh why doesn't he call it a day!!!
Punto e basta!!!
(jb)
Ganni Borg
Dec 22nd 2012, 13:44
Its high time the whole commitee resigns ... we've seen the same faces for far too long! Always same ppl and no chances outside the circle!
Alfred Fenech
Dec 22nd 2012, 14:31
Changing of the guards would be the right thing to do.
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 20:33
Nothing ever stopped you volunteering... oh it is voluntary, did you get the memo...?
Pierre John Agius
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:23
Olympic Committee, you have shamed Malta - disgusting. No self respect.
The whole of the Olympic Committee should now tender the resignation.
I have no faith in the current Committee, I believe that the MOC cannot represent our country anymore in this ultimate sports organisation. In any case the track record of the MOC is a disaster.
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 20:35
And you'd do better? For free, for long hours... ? have a little respect yourself for peoples time and effort.
Mr C Galea
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:18
if only the fly on the wall could tell all??????????
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:37
Imagine videoing a coach discussing anti-doping with an athlete and then showing only the bit that talked about banned substances. Would then sanctioning that athlete be ethical?
Shouldn't the London journalists be similarly pilloried! T
Should now all NGO/clubs even cubs & scouts, have policies on screening for fake reporters?
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:03
I don't think that people are that naive. They could always sue, of course.
Ray Buhagiar
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:40
No need for screen. All they had to say is that as MOC officials they do not deal with tickets and they will report to IOC. Was that so difficult to do?
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 20:31
If someone walk in and says I'm interested in becoming an authorised ticket seller, but fails to mention that they are a journalist? Not a case of being naive surely...
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:57
Are the members of the MOC also in the same boat as the accused officials?
The MOC should be disbanded and a new committee formed with ALL NEW different members, so as credibility is restored once again!
Can’t these members smell the coffee?
JC.
Ray Buhagiar
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:04
I totally agree. Some of these officials have been there for a long long time and this is not healthy.
A Vella
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:12
Totally agree, who the heck do they think they are? I ask for the resignation of all the committee. Since thay did not taken the right decision they are equally involved. I am ready to start a petition on this. Sports must always be clean from everything.
Pavlaki Pano Aroditis
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:48
Absolutely correct. By supporting the two accused officials, the MOC has indicated that it sees nothing wrong in what they did. The MOC has lost the public's trust. Now, we insist not just on the resignation of the 2 officials but of the whole committee. Here is the link to the MOC website: http://www.nocmalta.org/page.asp?p=4756&l=1
Furthermore, the institutional sponsors should withdraw support.
Jay Oatmon
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:49
I agree of course the lower ranks will support their bosses or they will be kicked out themselves.
International organisations (especially the IOC which has had previous scandals from corrupt African high ups) tend not to turn a blind eye to corruption - unlike Malta which often refuses to see corruption.
Francis Raeymaekers
Dec 22nd 2012, 13:44
No. They can't smell the coffee, but we, the people can smell the rot!
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 20:40
You do realise that in most cases that these people devote their own time and effort.. and they the accused have been accused of what? No money changed hands, they just gave advice which was rather selectively published.
All committee and council members are elected, so all of you nay sayers had a chance to stand up and be counted. Where were you then?
Denis Pace
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:55
A clear case of arrogance and power-drunkenness.
Resignation is the only decent way out.
Francis Raeymaekers
Dec 22nd 2012, 13:46
The only decent way out is for those involved to crawl back under the rock from whence they came!
carmel parnis
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:33
One thing i would love to have an aswer from Mr Cassar and Mr Just Farrugia Sacco . Where was the discussion with the Times reporters held ? Did they inform the Olympic members immediately after about the discussion or they came to know about it after the TIMES published its report ?
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:08
Usually these reporters pretend to be someone other than what they really are, and record conversations secretly, so the people being set up are not aware of what's happening at the time.
Joe Anastasi
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:32
Whatever happened to the democratic principle that one is presumed innocent until proved guilty ?
Michael Seychell
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:24
They have been named and rebuked by the International Olympic Committee. In the case of the Hon. Judge if he can be called so considering that he defied repeated calls to resign from the MOC position, the only way out for him is resigning his judicary post, or be impeached by Parliament on the recomendation of the justice commission.
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:45
A long time ago the Committee for the Adminstration of Justice condemned Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco but he despised that warning and has now attained new heights of insolence towards our prime minister and international notoriety tarnishing the reputation of us all by association. Does that make you happy?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 22nd 2012, 13:00
One is to be considered innocent until proven guilty is a legal maxim that has nothing to do with democracy. The word democracy is being bandied about as an excuse to justify all sorts of unethical conduct by the few at the expense of society as a whole.
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:14
NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW.
Francis Raeymaekers
Dec 22nd 2012, 13:46
L.F.
Have you ever been to Malta?
Evarist Saliba
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:12
It is about time that our national sports committees stop behaving on the international scene as if they were playing games at village-pump level. Their international reputation affects all Malta.
Admittedly, a vote of no confidence in a person before whom one may have to appear in a court case can be intimidating, and this is where the merit of the code of conduct for the judiciary comes in
Michael Mercieca
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:12
Shame on Malta.
Joseph Aquilina
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:17
I do not agree with you. Action was taken by parliament in order to make it loud and clear that Malta and the Maltese to not agree with such practices. Now the ball is with the Commission for the Administration of Justice. I hope that these will take a responsible decision and one that makes Malta and the Maltese proud!
Anthony Agius
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:11
Oh just step down and get the hell out! Cant you see you are causing more harm than good? If you really love the MOC just resign and stop embarassing us!
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:41
And if they are innocent?
Gilbert Busuttil
Dec 22nd 2012, 12:42
@James Wightman
Innocent or not....he shouldn't hold the position of president if he's a judge. The commission had already pointed it out some years ago but he's arrogant enough to stay on. RESIGN.
Anthony Agius
Dec 23rd 2012, 00:31
@ james wightman, if they are innocent they can contest the next elections, in the meantime they can stop embarassing us! Is Anglu Farrugia the only honourable gentleman on this rock?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:11
This arrogance is bringing the local judiciary not only in disrepute locally but also in the international arena. It is not fair to the majority of our judges or to the rest of the nation.
In God's name GO.
Franco Farrugia
Dec 22nd 2012, 10:09
Perhaps that is what Malta deserves.
If people notice, NOBODY from the Olympic Committee has taken a stand over the issue - they sit on the fence, waiting for someone else to help them move away from the mess that THEY THEMSELVES HAVE CREATED!
Michael Seychell
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:32
F. Farrugia The MOC did not sit on the fence as you said, but did much worce than that. The have passed a motion of confidence in the the Chairman and the Secretary.
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta.
James Wightman
Dec 22nd 2012, 11:42
So they employ the Times reporters? Wow the world really did end yesterday!
Joe Anastasi
Dec 22nd 2012, 09:42
May I ask what has happened to the democratic principle of being innocent until proved guilty?
Daniel Goggi
Dec 22nd 2012, 21:34
May I correct you.. that us not a democratic principle.. it is the presumption of innocence.. the word democracy does not fit in everything...
P. Zammit
Dec 22nd 2012, 09:25
They should ALL resign.
Please choose the reason of your report below: