The saga surrounding a controversial WhatsApp conversation involving Singapore Athletics (SA) officials could end in arbitration.
Last June, leaked photos of a WhatsApp conversation appeared to show SA vice-president (training and selection) Govindasamy Balasekaran instructing SA staff to collect evidence so that disciplinary action could be taken against local coaches Margaret Oh (sprint) and David Yeo (pole vault).
A month later, a board of inquiry (BOI) comprising chairman of race walking Leong Lee San, chairman of officials Joe Yap and Wings Athletic Club president Jezreel Mok was formed to investigate the matter.
The BOI released its findings to SA's management committee in October. It recommended that the association refer the matter to an independent disciplinary committee.
Yesterday, Oh and Yeo were informed by SA president Ho Mun Cheong that as both individuals did not agree to mediation between themselves and the other party, arbitration might be the next step.
Both coaches protested against this, with Oh pointing out that such an approach would be detrimental to the future of athletics.
"I disagree because something wrong has already been done, and (those responsible) must be punished, unless they apologise," said Oh, who coaches national sprinter Shanti Pereira. "If this carries on, a lot of athletes will drop out and coaches will just give up... it's very disappointing when those who are supposed to be your support staff are (apparently) finding ways to get you into trouble."
Yeo agreed, saying the fact that a mistake had been made was "clear-cut", and that a disciplinary committee should have been convened.
The Straits Times (ST) understands that both coaches were not agreeable to the suggestion that the matter would be resolved through mediation between themselves and the five SA officials when they were informed last month.
SA president Ho told ST that resolving the matter through arbitration is "just an idea that is still not confirmed yet", but emphasised that it would be the "last resort".
According to him, Balasekaran had questioned the validity of the BOI by pointing out that an MC meeting was not called to agree on its formation.
SA's legal advisers had then recommended mediation as a possible solution, failing which another BOI could be convened - with the approval of the MC - to re-investigate the matter. Ho said an MC meeting would be held soon to determine the next course of action. "The earlier we end this, the better. But we want to do it properly... people may disagree but we must look into everybody's interests," he said.
