Strong IAAF support for Go Teng Kok

MANILA—Go Teng Kok may have been expelled from the Philippine Olympic Committee but the embattled Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) president remains in good graces with the international athletics federation.

Go told the Inquirer that Pierre Weiss, the general secretary of the International Amateur Athletics Federation, had assured him “that the whole IAAF family is behind you” during the 48th IAAF Congress in Daegu, South Korea, earlier this week.

He said Weiss had earlier reacted in disbelief at a communication from POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros informing the IAAF that Go had been expelled from the local Olympic body.

Weiss promised Go that he will follow up his case with the IOC. He added it was imperative that the IAAF be informed of his controversial expulsion which came through a signature campaign by the POC.

“I don’t want this injustice done to me by the POC to affect the good standing of the Patafa in the IAAF,” said Go. “So I brought with me some documents for the IAAF, and hopefully the IOC, to peruse and consider.”

“I am happy that my IAAF family is supporting me,” Go added.

The IAAF Congress was held in conjunction with the world athletics championships.