By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
Beatrice Allen, the Acting President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) facing theft charges, has been offered support by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
They have warned that Government in Banjul that Gambia face the risk of suspension from international competition, including next year's Olympics in London, if they are suspected of interfering in the affairs of the GNOC.
Allen, 60, who is also a member of the IOC, is one of three GNOC officials, along with treasurer Ousman Wadda and accounting officer Muhammed Janneh, who have been accused of embezzling $1,500 (£950) from the organisation.
Their arrests coincided with a row over elections scheduled for February 12 to pick a new President of the GNOC to replace Langtombong Tamba, who they have to replace after being sentenced to death following his conviction last year for treason, conspiracy to murder and participating in an act to overthrow the democratically elected Government in 2006.
Pere Miro, the Director of NOC Relations at the IOC, has now written to Allen to re-emphasise that the elections must be overseen by her.
"We have been informed of the difficulties that you personally and your NOC are currently facing," Miro wrote in a letter seen by insidethegames.
"It is our understanding that a legal procedure is ongoing, however, knowing that elections within your NOC are scheduled on 12th February 2011, we would like to reiterate that:
"(i) The IOC will not tolerate any outside interference in this election process and/or in the NOC's internal affairs and operations.
"(ii) The election process must be conducted exclusively under the jurisdiction of your NOC and in particular under your leadership, as NOC Acting President, according to the process that was established by your NOC and with the list of voting members endorsed by your NOC in accordance with your NOC Constitution and the Olympic Charter.
"Should this process not be conducted as planned by your NOC and endorsed by the IOC, the IOC (i) would not be in a position to recognise the outcomes and results of the General Assembly and (ii) would be forced to take appropriate action for the protection of your NOC in accordance with the Olympic Charter and in particular Rule 28.9 which states:
"Apart from the measures and sanctions provided in the case of infringement of the Olympic Charter, the IOC Executive Board may take any appropriate decisions for the protection of the Olympic Movement in the country of an NOC, including suspension of or withdrawal of recognition from such NOC if the constitution, law or other regulations in force in the country concerned, or any act by any governmental or other body causes the activity of the NOC or the making or expression of its will to be hampered." We hope that everyone will understand the gravity of the situation and will strictly respect the jurisdiction of your NOC and the principles mentioned above which are based on your NOC Constitution and the Olympic Charter."
The IOC have demonstrated recently that they do not fear taking action against countries they accuse of Government interference.
Earlier this month they suspended Gambia's West African neighbours following a row over the 2009 elections.